What It’s Like Being a Neurodivergent Mum and an OT

Hi, I’m Jisel, an Occupational Therapist, business owner, and mum of two incredible girls. I’m also neurodivergent. That part of me isn’t separate from how I parent, how I work, or how I show up in the world; it shapes everything. And while it brings so many strengths, it’s also come with some tough lessons in vulnerability, boundaries, and self-compassion.

Wearing Both Hats

Being a neurodivergent mum to a neurodivergent child means I deeply understand the needs behind the behaviours. I see the signs of sensory overwhelm before they escalate. I understand the need for control, for space, for sameness or novelty depending on the moment. You’d think that would make parenting smoother… right?

But the truth is, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, especially when things aren’t going well at home. There were times I questioned myself: “I’m an OT. Why can’t I help my own child regulate like I do with other children?” That voice in my head would get loud. Really loud.

And then came the realisation that changed everything: I am her safe place.

She doesn’t fall apart with others because she doesn’t have to. She saves it for me, because she knows I’ll still be there. That’s not a failure; that’s trust in its rawest form.

Letting Go of Doing It All

It took time, but I eventually realised that trying to be everything, her mum and her OT, was stretching me too thin. It was also confusing our relationship. When I stepped back from the therapist role and let another OT take the lead, everything shifted. She could build skills with someone else, and I could focus on being the one thing she needed most: her mum.

Now, instead of trying to juggle therapy plans and parenting in the same breath, I lean into connection. I use the same co-regulation scripts I’ve created for other families. I lower demands. I offer choices. I use humour. I strew things around and wait for her to come to them in her own time. I meet her where she’s at, not where the world thinks she should be.

How My Lived Experience Shapes My Work

All of this, every meltdown, every breakthrough, every moment of mum guilt and clarity, it’s built the foundation for how I practice as an OT. I don’t show up with textbook strategies alone. I show up with lived experience. I know what it’s like to cry in the pantry while your child screams. I know what it’s like to celebrate something as small (but huge) as putting on socks without tears.

I also know that regulation must come before function, that behaviour is communication, and that success looks different for every family.

So yes, I’m a neurodivergent mum. And I’m also an OT who leads with empathy, creativity, and a deep respect for every child’s nervous system.

If you’re a parent feeling like you’re “supposed” to be doing better, I want you to know this: you are enough. If your child only “loses it” with you, it’s because they feel safe. If you need to hand over the therapy reins to be the parent your child needs, you are not failing. You’re choosing connection over control.

I’m walking this path alongside you, not ahead of you and I’m cheering you on, every step of the way.

With deep breaths and open hearts,

Jisel 🌬️💗