Supporting Transitions for Neurodivergent Parents: From Pregnancy to Postpartum

Pregnancy and early parenthood bring profound physical, emotional, hormonal and social changes. While the core challenges of parenthood, such as disrupted routines and sleep loss, are shared by all. These changes can feel even more intense for neurodivergent women and birthing parents.

Despite growing awareness, there is still limited data on how many neurodivergent women are navigating pregnancy, birth, and early parenting in Australia.

Currently:

• There is no national data on how many women in Australia identify as neurodivergent
• There is very limited research on the neurodivergent perinatal period

What we do know is that many women are falling through the gaps.

In fact, before 2017, there were no major studies focused on ADHD in women and girls.

For decades, neurodivergence was only studied in males. That is because diagnostic criteria was developed around how neurodivergence presented in young boys. As a result, many women have gone through like undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or misunderstood.

There are also many accounts of women realising they are neurodivergent for the first time during pregnancy or early parenting. The intense physical and emotional demands of parenthood can highlight differences they hadn’t noticed before. 

Unique challenges neurodivergent parents faced throughout the perinatal period

In a recent 2025 PANDA survey, neurodivergent parents shared what impacted their mental health most during the perinatal period. This included:

• Heightened sensory sensitivities
• Clinical environment: fluorescent lighting, strong smells, auditory overstimulation
• Infant interactions: constant physical contact, skin-to-skin expectations, baby crying, breastfeeding 
• Physical discomfort
• Nausea sensitivity
• Pelvic pain
• Masked pain
• Emotional and cognitive shifts
• Anxiety about the baby’s wellbeing
• Difficulty with emotional regulation and coregulation 
• Inability to have alone time to recharge when needed 
• Overwhelm juggling the mental and practical demands
• Executive functioning challenges
• Difficulty with planning, remembering appointments, and managing multiple tasks
• Trouble maintaining routines expected by health visitors or parenting programs
• Usual strategies for managing neurodivergence no longer being as effective
• Social and systemic pressures
• Lack of understanding of hidden disabilities
• Pressure to socialise with extended family, parent groups, and care providers etc.
• Pressure to mask neurodivergence to appear as a “good parent”
• Lack of tailored support in maternity and health services.

Practical help healthcare providers can provide

When identity isn’t reflected in care, neurodivergent parents may disengage or experience poorer health outcomes. Rather than expecting neurodivergent parents to adapt to neurotypical systems, care should be flexible and affirming. Practical strategies include:

Ask supportive, direct questions:

• “Do you prefer appointments to be in person, over the phone, or via video conference? “
• “Do you have any sensory needs I should be aware of? “
• “A standard appointment is (X minutes). Is this suitable, or would you like a longer appointment?"

Adjust the sensory environment:

• Limit strong smells
• Provide quiet spaces
• Use soft lighting or lamps instead of harsh overhead lights
• A few sensory-friendly adjustments can make your care environment more inclusive, comfortable, and neuro-affirming. 

Valuable strengths of neurodivergent parents

Neurodivergent parents also bring valuable strengths to early parenting. It can influence care preferences, needs, and ways of connecting. 

Deep sensory awareness, self-advocacy, strong intuition and hyperfocus play a key role in supporting early bonding. These qualities challenge outdated stereotypes. When healthcare providers recognise both the challenges and unique strengths of neurodivergent parents, they can help families feel more confident and supported.

You don’t need to be an expert in neurodivergence to make a difference. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to offer the right support. What matters most is creating a space for parents to express their needs.