Carey Community Forum Event: Parenting Different: Raising kids to be their authentic, awesome selves
Parenting a neurodivergent child often means re-writing the rulebook – letting go of the 'shoulds', trusting your instincts, and learning how to support your child without trying to change who they are.
In this heartfelt and practical talk Sarah Hayden (1991), social worker, psychotherapist and best-selling author of Parenting Different, shares a neuro-affirming, real-world approach to raising neurodivergent children with confidence, passion and connection.
Drawing on professional experience and lived parenting wisdom, this session explores:
- what neuro affirming parenting actually looks like day to day
- how to support regulation, identity and self-esteem (not just behaviours)
- letting go of pressure, guilt and unrealistic expectations
- advocacy, school challenges and trusting your child's nervous system
- how to raise kids who feel safe being themselves in a world that often asks them to fit in
This talk is honest, reassuring and deeply validating, designed for parents who are tired of advice that doesn't fit their child and are ready to parent differently, on purpose, so your kids can be their authentic awesome selves.
- Date: Thursday 26 August 2026
- Time: 7.00pm
- Location: online event
- Note: This is a free event however tickets need to be booked to receive login details. The access link will be delivered to the email provided once tickets are booked.
- Questions for the panel are welcome on the night or ahead of time by emailing student.development@carey.com.au
