Parenting Neurodivergent Teens: ADHD, Autism, and the Teenage Years with Jheri South

Did you know that children with ADHD often hear over 20,000 corrective messages by the age of 10? Imagine the weight of that shame and self-doubt as they enter the already turbulent teenage years. For parents raising neurodivergent teens, the shift from childhood to adolescence can feel like everything changes overnight. But you’re not alone in this. In this episode, I sit down with Jheri South, mom of seven neurodivergent kids, ADHD/autism coach, and advocate. She shares her personal journey of navigating comorbidities, school struggles, mental health challenges, and how parenting styles can shape a child’s ability to advocate for themselves. You’ll hear about: What happens when hormones and neurodivergence collide Why role-playing is a powerful tool for autistic and ADHD teens How parents can shift from “discipline first” to “what does my child need?” The difference between authoritarian vs. authoritative parenting styles Why support systems matter for parents just as much as for kids TOPICS DISCUSSED Parenting neurodivergent teenagers ADHD and comorbidities (OCD, anxiety, depression) Puberty, hormones, and emotional regulation Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) Role-playing and self-advocacy skills Parenting styles (authoritarian vs. authoritative) Supporting parents of neurodivergent kids Redefining what “normal” looks like TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE Puberty can feel like a switch flips overnight for neurodivergent teens—what was once manageable suddenly becomes overwhelming. Medication and therapies aren’t one-size-fits-all. Even within the same family, every child may need something different. Behavior is communication. Instead of asking, “Is this normal or ADHD?”—ask, “What need is my child expressing?” Role-playing is key to helping kids with ADHD and autism build confidence in social situations and learn self-advocacy. Parenting differently is not weak. It’s intentional, adaptive, and exactly what our kids need. Parents need support too. A listening ear without judgment can be more powerful than advice. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices