Parenting Neurodiverse Children: Tips from Therapist Kitty Hovatter LGMFT

About this episode

Julie Hanson interviews Kitty Hovatter about parenting neurodiverse children and offers practical tools for support.

In this episode of The Joy Factor, Julie Hanson sits down with Kristen “Kitty” Hovatter, a Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, Navy veteran, and mother of three neurodivergent teens. Kitty shares her personal and professional experience navigating neurodivergence in the family system and offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, and neurodivergent individuals seeking support. We discuss: How to find the right therapist for your neurodivergent child What to look for in a consultation The difference between therapy and parent coaching Practical strategies for communication and family harmony Real wins from neurodivergent families Kitty’s own “joy factor” and what keeps her grounded This episode is for: Parents of neurodivergent children Caregivers navigating school systems (IEPs, 504s) Adults recently diagnosed with ADHD or autism Anyone seeking supportive, trauma-informed, non-judgmental therapy Key Takeaways Finding the Right Therapist If the connection isn’t there, ask for someone else Start with a 15-minute consultation Ask questions like: “How often do you work with neurodivergent clients?” “How do you structure therapy for neurodivergent kids?” “Do you ask…

People in this episode

Host: Julie Hanson

Guest: Kristen “Kitty” Hovatter

Topics covered

• neurodiversity
• parenting
• therapy
• communication strategies
• family support
• mental health

Keywords

• neurodivergent
• therapy
• parent coaching
• communication
• family harmony
• support
• trauma-informed

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Navy

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