Why neurodivergent kids stay silent

Let me tell you about the time I performed Madonna's "Like a Virgin" at my elementary school talent show.

I was nine. I rolled around on the floor. I sang every single word. I thought the audience was speechless because I was that talented.

I had absolutely no idea what the word virgin meant.

Nobody asked what song I'd picked. Nobody explained it to me. And I didn't know what I didn't know.

This episode is full of stories like that one — real, honest, cringe-worthy stories from my own childhood as an autistic and ADHD kid navigating a world full of words, slang, and confusing situations. The boy who told me he was going to die. The grain alcohol I almost drank because I thought grain meant rice. The weed I offered to bring to school. The roach I politely declined at a concert because I didn't smoke bugs.

These stories are funny now. But they point to something that matters enormously for every neurodivergent child. Autistic and ADHD kids are confused by language more often than most adults realize. They take words literally. They miss the social context that neurotypical kids absorb automatically. They fill in gaps with whatever information they happen to have — which sometimes leads to some unsafe situations.

And most of the time? They're not asking for help. Because asking feels risky. Because they've already been teased for not knowing things. Because they've learned — through a hundred small moments — that some questions get you in trouble. So they guess. They go along. They stay quiet and carry the confusion alone.

In this episode, I'm talking about what we can do about that — as parents, therapists, and educators. Not with a perfect script. Not with one big talk. But with something much simpler: building the felt experience, over time, that your neurodivergent child can come to you with anything.

In this episode:

• Why neurodivergent kids are navigating confusing language every single day — and why they're often not asking for help
• Real stories of what can happen when there isn't open, safe communication with autistic and ADHD kids
• Why literal language processing makes slang, innuendo, and figures of speech genuinely confusing — not an excuse
• The one simple message that matters more than any scripted conversation
• What parents and therapists can do right now to become the safe adult a neurodivergent child actually comes to

This episode is for:

• Parents of autistic and ADHD children and teens who want to open the door to safer, more honest communication
• Therapists and counselors supporting neurodivergent kids and their families
• Anyone who grew up neurodivergent and is still carrying some of these stories themselves

Note: This episode discusses sex, drugs, and related topics through personal stories. It's a good idea to listen before sharing it with your child.

Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist

P.S. I've got more goodness for you!

🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you!

The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95

What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers

🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive

🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs

🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches

💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis

Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation

✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations

✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need

✅ Free helpful education resources

Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95

➡️ Parents click here

➡️ Therapists click here

➡️ Educators click here

Join me in my Facebook Groups!

➡️ Parents click here

➡️ Therapists click here