December 29, 2025

Neurodivergent Parenting ND: Sara Hartley on Affirmations, Align Method & Late ADHD Diagnosis | Adulting with Autism

35 minutes

Feeling "too much" in ND chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April celebrates neurodivergent superpowers with Sara Hartley, late-diagnosed ADHD mom of two ND boys, healthcare executive, certified ADHD/neurodiversity coach, and author of 13-book "Purposefully Me" series (affirmation-based learning for kids on neurodiversity/hard topics like anxiety/bullying/executive functioning). From cathartic shower breakdown to writing diverse characters/glossaries/discussion questions, Sara's Align Parenting Method empowers regulation/acceptance.

Key insights:

Late ADHD diagnosis (25): Post-college boredom/hyperfocus/procrastination; masking in "even keel" (decision fatigue); Lyme/parenting triggered awareness.

ND parenting boys: Meltdowns from unprocessed emotions; empathy over anger (hold space, "two truths true"); affirmations at bedtime ("I am kind/smart/lovable/brave/enough/safe").

Align Method (A-L-I-G-N): Awareness (body cues like tight chest), Listen/Label (emotions), Identify triggers (bad day/sensory), Ground (walk/5-4-3-2-1/object focus/water sip), Nurture (connection/choice/grace).

Dopamine hits: Healthy (walks/podcasts) vs. addictive (scrolling/shopping); bedtime vulnerability for processing (impressionable state).

Burnout/shame: Yelling/internalized "not enough"; reframe as human (Catholic guilt spirals); experiment small (hi to vendor) for authenticity.

Books for kids/young adults: 13 titles (ADHD/autism/anxiety/dyslexia/bullying/school drills); build confidence/less alone (recurring characters/conversations).

Advice for authors/creatives: No credentials needed—write voice/purpose; find believer (book coach); trial/error builds momentum.

For autistic/ADHD young adults/parents, Sara's vibe: "Uniqueness is strength—affirm/align to shine." Free Align Guide at sarahlewishartley.com; Instagram @sarahlewishartley (tips/books).

Subscribe for ND empowerment hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean).

Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism shop—affirm your style fierce!

#NeurodivergentParentingND #LateDiagnosisADHDWomen #AlignMethodAutism #AffirmationBooksNeurodiverseKids #SuperpowersND #CatharticWritingBurnout #AdultingWithAutism #DopamineHitsYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy

Episode: Neurodivergent Parenting ND with Sara Hartley

[00:00] Intro: "Too Much" ND Feelings Trap

[00:30] Sara's Journey: Late ADHD Diagnosis (25, Post-College Hyperfocus)

[02:00] Parenting ND Boys: Meltdowns/Strategies (Empathy/Affirmations)

[05:00] Align Method (A-L-I-G-N): Awareness/Listen/Label/Identify/Ground/Nurture

[08:00] Dopamine Hits: Healthy (Walks/Podcasts) vs. Addictive (Scrolling)

[11:00] Burnout/Shame: Decision Fatigue/Yelling (Reframe Human/Grace)

[14:00] "Purposefully Me" Books: 13 Affirmation Titles (Diverse/Glossary/Questions)

[17:00] Advice for Authors/Young Creatives: No Credentials—Voice/Purpose/Believer

[20:00] Outro: Empowerment Takeaways & CTAs

Resources:

Website: sarahlewishartley.com (books/Align Guide)

Instagram: @sarahlewishartley (parenting tips/neurodiversity)

Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean)

Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND parenting tips! Share your superpower in comments. #NDSuperpowers #ADHDAlignMethod #AffirmationsAutismKids #LateDiagnosisNeurodivergent #AdultingWithAutism #ParentingBurnoutND

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By April Ratchford MS OT/L

4.8

7272 ratings