How to Like Your Neurodivergent Teen (Even When They’re Difficult)

About this episode

This episode discusses how to improve the relationship with a neurodivergent teen by focusing on positive aspects and emotional connection.

What if you didn’t have to wait for your teen to change in order to feel close to them again? In this episode, Emily sits down with pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, author of Love the Teen You Have, to talk about the emotional reality of parenting a neurodivergent teen—especially when the relationship feels strained, distant, or difficult. They explore a simple but powerful shift: intentionally “hunting” for things to love about your teen. When you begin to look for what’s good, your perspective starts to change—and that shift can transform the connection between you. This conversation goes beyond surface-level parenting advice. Dr. Ann-Louise shares practical ways to rebuild closeness, even during dysregulation, and explains why connection should always come before correction. They also unpack how to use nostalgia in a way that strengthens your relationship (instead of creating distance), and how understanding your teen’s brain can make their behavior feel more workable. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your teen, overwhelmed by their behavior, or unsure how to reach them, this episode will meet you with compassion, validation, and realistic tools you can…

People in this episode

Hosts: Emily Hamblin, Ashley Schultz

Guest: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

Topics covered

• neurodivergent teens
• parenting
• emotional connection
• relationship building
• dysregulation
• nostalgia

Keywords

• neurodivergent
• teen parenting
• emotional connection
• relationship advice
• dysregulation
• parenting tips

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Love the Teen You Have

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