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SHOWNOTES:

How do you explain autism or ADHD to a grandparent who just doesn’t get it yet? In this episode, Isabel Tom sits down with Kim Botto—a seasoned educator, speaker, and grandmother of eleven—to talk about how to help older generations understand neurodivergence in kids. This is part 2 of our conversation. 

With decades of experience in trauma-informed care and family ministry, Kim shares practical tips, heartfelt stories, and gentle language that grandparents can use to better connect with their neurodivergent grandkids. You’ll hear about her personal journey connecting with her autistic grandson, why ADHD is like having a race car brain with bicycle brakes (thanks to Dr. Ned Hallowell!), and how a shift in communication can make all the difference.

Whether you're a parent trying to bridge the generational gap or a grandparent wanting to better support your grandchild, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and useful tools.

Last week's episode - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/Helping-Neurodivergent-Kids-Connect-with-Grandparents-Part-1-with-Kim-Botto 

Highlights:

3:45 - How to explain autism to a grandparent

5:22 - How to explain ADHD to grandparents

8:16 - Tips for grandparents/parents of autistic children 

11:12 - The vitamin Dr. Edward Hallowell says is so valuable

13:32 - Kim Botto and how she learned to connect with her austitic grandson 

17:52 - When you as a parent feel judged by bystanders, but also grandparents

Get Kim Botto’s Book: Boundless Hope for Every Child – written for church leaders, but loved by parents and grandparents alike → kimbotto.com

Resources mentioned:

• Grab the Grandkid Investigator Kit at https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

• Uniquely Human by Barry Prizant

• Autism Out Loud

• When Johnny Doesn’t Flap (picture book)

• ADHD 2.0 and Driven to Distraction by Dr. Edward Hallowell

Connect with Isabel 

🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen

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