How to Raise Happy Neurofabulous Children: A Parents' Guide

by Katy Elphinstone

Parenting can be chaos, a flurry of trial and error, problem-solving, and tears (of difficulty but also of joy!). Katy Elphinstone, an autistic parent who's experienced herself the wonders and the challenges of raising two children, one of whom is autistic, has taken notes on the 'do's' and 'dont's' of parenting when it comes to neurodivergent children.

Supportive and refreshingly direct, Katy's advice can be tailored to you and your child's needs. We know there isn't a 'one size fits all' guide to parenting! There's also space to write your thoughts down and organise those tips that work for you.

With advice on all the day-to-day experiences such as preparing for school, venturing out to a new place, making friends, and even posing the question, 'Can screentime be a positive?', Neurofabulous is the ultimate guide that gives you everything you need to ensure that you and your child thrive.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2024

Reviews

[Debra Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was excellent.
In a world where health care professionals and 'experts' have often not themselves experienced what they are trained to offer advice about, this guide for parents on how to raise Happy Neurofabulous children, ages 2-12 years ( a brilliant title which sets the tone, and is maintained throughout) is expertly written with sensitivity and kindness by someone who absolutely knows what she's talking about because she is writing directly from her own experience as an autistic parent of two, one of whom is autistic.

The book draws on a body of research from numerous sources including first hand experiences of other neurodivergent adults and teenagers.

There is nothing prescriptive about the many detailed, practical suggestions which are offered.
It is laid out to make these as accessible and enjoyable as possible.
There are lots of links to useful books and online resources and a lot of leg work has already been done on the easiest ways to access support.

Respect, love and compassion for neurodivergent children are at the centre of this book alongside a warm and generous offer of encouragement for other parents.

It never shies away from the realities, ups and downs and often chaos of everyday parenting, serious situations which can arise, or the difficulty of doing it within the often isolated context of what constitutes a modern family without a community or 'whole village' on board, especially with the extra complexities of parenting a neurodivergent child.

Aswell as being real, humorous and down-to-Earth, it is an education and inspiration.

Highly recommed!

[brii | brii (three months behind...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of great ideas and techniques to try in this book. The author really takes into consideration the variability in different neurodiversities and gives different advice for different reactions and different types of kids. It was really well done. 

I will say, though, it does feel aimed toward younger kids. Preschool age, for sure. While there were a couple of tidbits thrown in for older kids, this book would be much more helpful for an early diagnosed child and parents new to the world of neurodiversity. 

While it wasn't exactly ground breaking - or any new information - for ME, this would be great for someone who's extremely overwhelmed because there are a ton of different approaches in every section, if something doesn't work for you there's another idea on the next page of something else that might

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really comforting and validating read, and I will most definitely be using it to clarify my approach to parenting. As a ND Mum I’m aware of the very well meaning advice/ approaches out there, which can be damaging, confusing and contrary to what’s contained in the book. So, I’m very grateful for this handbook written by a neurodiverse author, bringing together research and personal conviction. The issues are very well articulated and will save me time trying to put into my own words. This is helpful in terms of figuring out how best to support my child in their education. Hope it makes other parents feel less alone, and positive, and boost their confidence advocating for support and understanding. Have already recommended to other parents! Thank you!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 'Neurofabulous' and it will feel like you're getting advice from a wise, kind, caring friend who's been through it all before -- who's paved the way in parenting our neurodivergent children. The very first sentence says that the two main things a parent needs, is a loving heart and an open mind, and I found that such a beautiful way to start a parenting book.

As an autistic parent of a grown autistic child, I only wish it had been available to me earlier.

Excellent, filled to the brim with helpful thoughts, hints, and insights -- and eminently readable.

[Autism 101 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this wonderful book with practical day-to-day tips for neurodiverse families. I wish I had it when we were raising out two boys. I especially liked the section on the “drama triangle”, I’m still processing that part.

I also appreciate that Katy has considered many of the varied circumstances neurodiverse families often find themselves in.

[A S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone can read it, it's not hard or complex or overly technical. There were a lot of things I hadn't thought of but made sense to me. Then when I tried them I saw they can really work. A big example was the section about screen time. I also like how the author is clear about the logic and reasons for things.

[Jodie Tilbury-Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this 10 years ago to help us understand how we could help our son. Instead, we bumbled about doing all the wrong things, making lots of mistakes, but thankfully learning from them along the way. As a mother of a child with autism, and a step mum to two with autism, I can identify with so much of Katy's brilliantly written advice/tips/notes.

[Hala · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title caught my eye but embarrassingly enough I didn't know what neurofabulous was. Even though I don't have an autistic child, this parenting guide has very good advice that can be used for generally.

[Nomad · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eminently practical guide offering a myriad of ideas and opportunities for mutual positive communication and relationships - so many great insights and positive tips, and delivered with oodles of empathy and compassion for both children and their carers. Highly recommended.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for parents.