Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Foster Care: Practical Approaches and Understanding

Fostering a neurodivergent child—such as one with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences—requires extra understanding, flexibility, and advocacy. But it’s also an opportunity to provide life-changing stability and acceptance.

What Neurodivergence May Look Like

Neurodivergent children may:

• Struggle with change or transitions
• Experience sensory overload from lights, sounds, textures
• Communicate differently (e.g., nonverbal or literal thinking)
• Have intense focus or interests

These are not “problems”—they’re part of who the child is.

Listen, Observe, Adapt

Ask yourself: What’s behind the behavior? Is the child overwhelmed by noise? Is the routine too unpredictable? Compassionate observation goes a long way.

Practical Tips for Carers

• Use visual schedules to reduce anxiety
• Allow safe stimming (rocking, flapping) without judgment
• Create a quiet corner for self-regulation
• Break tasks into small, clear steps

Build Around Strengths

If a child loves trains or dinosaurs, use that passion in learning, bonding, or calming. These interests are tools, not distractions.

Advocate With Confidence

Work with schools and professionals to ensure the child has proper support (e.g., EHCPs, sensory accommodations). As a foster carer, you are the bridge between needs and services.

Foster carers don’t need to be experts—they need to be curious, compassionate, and open. When neurodivergent children are accepted fully, they don’t just “cope”—they flourish.