New parent support resources

A lot of parent advice around autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder still starts after the diagnosis, but two resources being pushed this week start at the hardest moment instead: the first conversation with the child. Happiful published a guide on April 7, 2026 about how to explain an autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, and The Craig School scheduled a virtual parent workshop with clinician Allison Tyler for April 14, 2026. (happiful.com) (craigschool.org 1) (craigschool.org 2) The advice is not “wait for one perfect talk.” Happiful says there is no single perfect moment, and frames diagnosis disclosure as a gradual, age-appropriate conversation that can start early and be revisited as a child grows. (happiful.com) (justonenorfolk.nhs.uk) That approach lines up with the limited but consistent research on autism disclosure. A 2020 study in the *Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics* examined how young people are told about an autism diagnosis, and a broader review of disclosure studies found that telling children tended to be linked with more positive outcomes when parents followed the child’s lead on timing and explanation. (journals.lww.com) (uwo.ca) The language in these newer parent guides is also different from the old “soften the blow” model. Happiful tells parents to explain neurodiversity in a strengths-based way, and National Health Service guidance says positive, neuro-affirming language can help children build self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. (happiful.com) (justonenorfolk.nhs.uk) The Craig School session is aimed at the next problem parents hit after that first talk: daily life at home. Its April 14 workshop is titled “Less Nagging, More Success,” and the agenda lists task initiation, time management, breaking down big projects, self-regulation, self-awareness, organization, and working memory. (craigschool.org 1) (craigschool.org 2) That matters because attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is not just “high energy.” The Child Mind Institute describes it as a neurodevelopmental disorder that can make it unusually hard for children to concentrate, sit still, follow directions, and control impulsive behavior, which is why parent support often has to cover routines and homework systems as much as emotions. (childmind.org) The session is also being sold as a resource handoff, not just a lecture. The Craig School says parents will get a question-and-answer session plus a curated list of Allison Tyler’s recommended attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and executive function resources to use after the event. (craigschool.org) Tyler’s background helps explain why the workshop is framed so practically. Public profiles for Allison Tyler describe her as a licensed clinical social worker with more than 17 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and parents around attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and related challenges. (adhdstrategymom.com) (secure.helloalma.com) Put together, these resources show where parent support is moving in 2026. Instead of treating diagnosis as a single reveal followed by a stack of paperwork, they package scripts for the first conversation, examples of positive language, and concrete home strategies for the weeks after. (happiful.com) (craigschool.org)