Roots and Wings Neurodivergence Support Network

08/31/2026

Apparently, I’m pandering.

Which is confusing, because I don’t remember getting a panda.

But if “pandering” means spending approximately 94% of my parenting life trying to work out whether I am:

• accommodating a genuine need
• avoiding an entirely predictable meltdown
• making a reasonable adjustment
• helping them regulate
• reducing an unnecessary demand
• encouraging them to stretch themselves
• accidentally reinforcing avoidance
• choosing my battles
• or simply trying to get everybody through Tuesday…

then yes.

I am absolutely pandering.

The problem with “you’re pandering to them” is that it makes something incredibly complicated sound incredibly simple.

Sometimes our children can’t.

Sometimes they can, but at enormous cost.

Sometimes they can with support.

Sometimes they need us to hold the boundary.

Sometimes the thing everyone thinks we should insist upon genuinely does not matter.

And sometimes we get it wrong.

Because parenting a child with SEND isn’t about removing every difficult thing from their path.

It’s about constantly trying to work out which difficult things will help them grow…

and which ones will simply hurt them.

Anyway.

If anyone actually knows where I collect my panda, please let me know.

I feel I’ve earned one.

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

ADHD is in the DSM-5, an essential resource used by clinicians to diagnose and treat ADHD, but experts and ADDitude readers say symptoms are missing, making it increasingly incomplete and even inaccurate.
👉 https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-symptoms-not-in-dsm-5/

08/31/2026

When disability is not treated as a reality but as a claim that must be verified, it is not just frustrating and inconvenient – it is dehumanizing, and it changes how disabled people are valued in society.

Learn more about the challenges disabled people face today, and how a system rooted in trust, dignity, and lived experience could improve life for everyone, by reading our latest blog post: https://www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/08/disability-credibility-problem/

08/31/2026

Which IEP goal sounds more inclusive?? 🤔

IEPs are not designed to teach students to endure school. They are designed to support access to learning.

Too many IEP goals are written around tolerating discomfort, complying with adult demands, or completing tasks that adults themselves would avoid. When this happens, the focus shifts away from learning and toward endurance.

Pause, refocus, and write IEP goals that truly support access to learning. Download the free resource and tune into The Inclusion Podcast to learn more! https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/completing-unpreferred-tasks-should-not-be-an-iep-goal/

08/30/2026

𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬! White Memorial is working hard to turn our backyard into an updated and special place for you to enjoy. Part of this is building a new home for our Avian Ambassadors!
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐙𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞.
Construction on the new aviary is expected to last roughly 10 weeks.
Please be respectful of the work zone and workers. Stay safe by giving them space.
Thank you for your patience and support!