In this episode of Suggestive Parenting, Rebecca O’Rourke is joined by Diane Wolf, MBA, M.Div., RP, psychotherapist, neuroscience educator, speaker, and author, for an honest and practical conversation about supporting neurodivergent children and the families who love them.

Diane shares insights from her work with first responders experiencing PTSD and explains how some of the brain and nervous system responses we see in trauma can help us better understand what may be happening for neurodivergent children when they become overwhelmed, overstimulated, or feel unsafe.

Together, Rebecca and Diane explore:

• Why neurodivergent children may respond so strongly to sensory input and environmental demands

• What happens when a child’s window of tolerance becomes overwhelmed

• Why multi step instructions can be challenging

• Understanding different learning and sensory preferences

• Using ABC tracking to look beyond the behaviour and discover what may be driving it

• How to create environments that support the child instead of expecting the child to fit the environment

• Practical strategies for recognizing triggers and helping children develop self regulation skills

• Why gradual exposure and safe experiences can help the nervous system learn

• The importance of community and connecting with other families who understand

• Giving ourselves grace as parents when things don’t go as planned

Most importantly, this conversation reminds us that neurodivergent brains are not broken brains. They process information differently and can be incredibly effective in their own way.

Parenting isn’t about making every child fit the same mould. It’s about understanding the child in front of you, meeting them where they are, and helping them discover the ways they can thrive.

Connect with Diane Wolf

Diane Wolf is a psychotherapist in private practice working with First Responders who are overcoming PTSD, anxiety, and depression. A former business professor, she is also an international speaker and author who uses the latest in neuroscience research to help high achieving leaders sustain consistent performance by strengthening the biological systems that protect long term health and cognitive clarity.

A mother of three adult children and grandmother of seven, Diane was also a well known parenting speaker and course facilitator for many years.

🌐 Diane’s Website:

📧 Email:

Connect with Rebecca O’Rourke

Rebecca O’Rourke is a Behaviour Expert, Master Hypnotist, NLP Practitioner, and the creator of Suggestive Parenting™, a subconscious approach to parenting that helps parents understand behaviour, regulate themselves, and create deeper connection with their children.

🌐

🌐

🎧 Listen to this episode of Suggestive Parenting and discover a different way of looking at behaviour, one rooted in understanding, connection, patience, and grace.