My Child is Neurodivergent – How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy help?

Getting a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to understand what is going on, what this means, and what to do next. Apart from educational support from school, another way to support your child is through therapy.

Receiving therapy does not mean that your child is mentally unwell. When working with ADHD and/or autism, the key goals of therapy are to provide psychoeducation around what neurodiversity means to your child, help your child understand themselves and express who they are to others, and find ways to make their day-to-day life easier, whether that is around their behaviour, emotions, friendships, academic work, or family relationships.

Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Child

There are multiple types of therapy to choose from, and there is no single “best” therapy for neurodivergent children. Each approach offers unique benefits, and the right fit will depend on your child’s personality, experiences, and goals.

Who is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for?

• For children struggling with mood swings, anxiety and/or depression

• For children struggling with behavioural difficulties

• For children who have negative thoughts

• For children who like visual tools and concrete strategies

• For children who like structure

This article will explain what Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is and how it can support your child in meaningful, practical ways.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most widely used therapeutic approaches for children and young people. It is structured, goal‑orientated, and backed by strong evidence for helping with anxiety, depression, and other emotional or behavioural difficulties.

CBT begins with helping your child understand their experiences through four areas: thoughts, feelings, physiological sensations, and behaviour. By understanding the links between these, your child can learn skills to manage challenges more effectively.

What Does CBT for ADHD Look Like?

CBT for ADHD focuses on practical skills, emotional regulation, and building habits that help your child manage attention, impulsivity, and frustration. The sessions will focus on various topics, including:

• Helping your child develop an awareness and understanding of their ADHD brain

• Systematically training organisation and planning skills

• Teaching ways to control impulsivity

• Managing big emotions and mood swings

• Building on your child’s strengths

• Working with your child’s teachers to build a positive learning environment

What Does CBT for Autism Look Like?

CBT for autism focuses on helping your child understand their inner experiences, manage overwhelm, and build practical coping skills for school, relationships, and daily life. The sessions will focus on various topics, including:

• Developing your child’s awareness and understanding of autism

• Strengthening their self-compassion and sense of identity

• Helping your child build emotion regulation skills, for example using mindfulness

• Supporting your child’s abilities to plan ahead and build independence

• Exploring social expectations with your child and helping them understand social rules

• Building on your child’s strengths

• Working with your child’s teachers to build a positive learning environment