Summer can be a lot — loud noises, social demands, disrupted routines, and way too much sun. If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, exhausted, or unmotivated, you're not alone. But let’s not overlook something that’s way too easy to forget: hydration.

💧Many neurodivergent adults struggle with interoception (body awareness), which means thirst cues can be missed entirely. That brain fog, headache, or irritability? It might not be burnout. It might be dehydration.

Summer break is a time for rest, play, and family memories—but for many parents of neurodivergent children, it can also bring challenges like disrupted routines, increased sensory needs, and a lot of “I’m bored” moments.

Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or struggles with transitions, the lack of structure during summer can quickly lead to meltdowns or shutdowns—for everyone. At Path2Growth, we believe summer should feel safe, supportive, and fun. That’s why we’ve pulled together a few tried-and-true tips to help keep your neurodivergent child regulated and meaningfully engaged all summer long.

What Is Masking?

Masking is the act of camouflaging or suppressing neurodivergent traits in order to conform to social expectations. It can be conscious or unconscious—and while it might help someone "fit in" temporarily, it often leads to burnout, identity confusion, anxiety, and depression. Masking isn’t about faking who you are. It’s about protecting yourself in environments where being authentic has felt unsafe or misunderstood.

The mental load is the invisible planning, tracking, organizing, and anticipating that goes into running a household, supporting a child’s needs, and keeping everyone afloat.

It sounds like:

• “We’re out of oat milk.”

• “I need to schedule that IEP meeting.”

• “Is she eating enough at school?”

• “Did I ever respond to that email from the teacher?”

It includes the emotional labor of comforting tantrums, noticing your child’s sensory shifts, and carrying the weight of everyone’s wellness while often ignoring your own.

When it comes to autism, early detection changes everything.

The earlier we understand a child’s unique way of interacting with the world, the sooner we can provide the support, tools, and compassion they need to thrive. For families of color and immigrant communities, however, access to early screening is often delayed—leaving many children misunderstood or mislabeled.

At Path2Growth, we’re here to change that.

April is Autism Awareness Month—a time to educate, uplift, and empower. At Path2Growth, we are committed not only to spreading awareness about autism but also to advocating for those who have been historically underserved and misdiagnosed, particularly within communities of color and immigrant families.

If your child struggles with reading, you may have wondered, Could it be dyslexia? Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting how the brain processes written language. It is not a sign of low intelligence or laziness—rather, it’s a difference in how the brain interprets words and sounds. The good news? With the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive in school and beyond. Let’s explore what dyslexia is, common signs, and what you can do next to help your child succeed.

As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child struggles in school. You might wonder: Is this just a normal challenge that they’ll overcome with practice, or could it be a learning disability that requires support? Understanding the difference between typical academic struggles and a learning disability is crucial because early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s confidence and success. Let’s explore the signs and when to seek professional help.

March is National Nutrition Month. Here are a list of foods that can improve your mental health, wellness, and improve your focus and attention. Let’s get into it!

When we think about mental health, we often focus on therapy, mindfulness, and self-care practices. But what about the food we eat? Nutrition plays a powerful role in brain function, emotional regulation, and overall mental well-being. Research increasingly shows that what we put on our plates directly impacts our mood, energy levels, and even conditions like anxiety and depression.

As a parent, you may have concerns about your child's development, behavior, or academic performance. You might wonder whether their struggles are just a phase or if they indicate a deeper issue, such as ADHD, autism, or a learning disability. Early identification is key to ensuring your child gets the right support, but how do you know when it’s time to seek testing?

Parenting is one of the most rewarding roles in life, but it can also be one of the most exhausting. Between managing daily routines, juggling work responsibilities, supporting children’s emotional needs, and maintaining a household, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed. This ongoing stress can lead to parent burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged caregiving stress.

Recent research suggests that certain parenting styles may increase a child's risk of developing ADHD-related behaviors. Take this quick quiz to learn more about your approach and discover ways to create routines that support focus and balance in your child’s life.

Take our FREE quiz to discover what might be holding you or your child back from completing tasks and staying focused. Perfect for understanding distractions, daydreaming, and productivity challenges at school or work