Halloween is supposed to be fun — costumes, candy, spooky decorations, and silly excitement everywhere. But for many neurodiverse kids, the holiday can feel like chaos wrapped in glitter and fake spiderwebs. Loud noises, flashing lights, scratchy costumes, crowded sidewalks, and unfamiliar social rules can overwhelm their senses fast. If you’ve ever tried to enjoy […]
Have you ever watched your child struggle with Halloween costumes, loud noises, or unpredictable sights and wondered, “Is Halloween supposed to be this overwhelming for neurodiverse kids?” In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, host Genie Dawkins unpacks the sensory challenges that come with Halloween and offers how to make Halloween sensory-friendly solutions so […]
How Do You Make Halloween Fun—Not Overwhelming—for Neurodiverse Kids? Do you ever watch your child melt down halfway through trick or treating, wishing there was a magic spell for sensory overload? You’re not alone! For many families, Halloween brings excitement and stress—especially for parents of neurodiverse children. At The Parenting Cipher, we believe advocacy starts […]
Are you wondering how to protect your neurodiverse child's education when it feels like the systems designed to support them are unraveling? You're not alone—and The Parenting Cipher is here to help. In this powerful return episode, host Genie Dawkins brings honest reflection and actionable strategies for parents navigating special education in 2025. As a […]
We’re told that school tests measure how well a student understands what’s been taught. But here’s the problem: Testing Secrets Schools rarely admit how unfair, biased, and outdated those systems actually are. Behind every “standardized” test is a design that fits only a narrow range of minds and backgrounds. The rest, including special needs students, […]
Every parent knows that the back-to-school tips for children with special needs season comes with its mix of excitement and stress — but for parents of a child with disabilities, that transition can feel like navigating uncharted waters. At The Parenting Cipher, we believe that parenting is a journey of love, patience, and empowerment. Our […]
Welcome back to The Parenting Cipher, a space created for parents who are raising children with disabilities, navigating the world of IEPs, 504 plans, emotional regulation, and everything in between. If you’re new here, we’re all about helping parents of color advocate confidently for their children — decoding the complex language of education systems and […]
Back-to-school success for neurodiverse kids starts before day one. I’ll never forget standing in my son’s new classroom three years ago, watching him scan the room with wide eyes. He clutched his favorite Ipad and whispered, “Do you think my teacher will remember I need quiet time?” That moment crystallized what back-to-school success for neurodiverse […]
