“Is he going to be okay?”

I asked the doctor.

I remember gripping the edge of my chair, holding back tears while my son Kuku — oblivious, curious, bright-eyed — tugged at my dupatta, trying to show me a sticker on the wall.

The words “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” still hung in the air, heavy and echoing.

My brain was spinning — therapies, school, future, finances, family, fear.

I didn’t realise then that the real journey doesn’t start with the diagnosis.

It begins after it.

The Part No One Prepares You For

You walk out of the clinic with a file full of reports, a heart full of questions, and zero clarity on what to do next.

Google becomes your frenemy.

WhatsApp groups become your rabbit hole.

You start counting meltdowns, milestones, and missed cues.

Some family members shrug it off — “He’ll grow out of it.”

Others panic — “You need to fix this now.”

But here’s what I wish someone had told me loud and clear:

You don’t need to fix your child. You need to understand them.

The diagnosis didn’t change my child.

It changed how I chose to see him.

Pause. Breathe. Grieve (Yes, It’s Okay)

Most parents are too scared to admit this out loud — but I’ll say it for you:

It’s okay to feel sad. Or angry. Or overwhelmed.

You’re not grieving your child. You’re grieving the story you had planned in your head.

And that’s natural.

A new story begins to be written— just as beautiful, maybe even more.

So… What Do You Do Next?

Let me break it down for you — simple, small, doable.

These are not textbook solutions. These are from my living room floor, school corridors, bedtime journals, and therapy waiting rooms:

1.    Create a Safe Routine, Not a Perfect One

Children — especially neurodiverse ones — crave predictability.

Start with 3 anchors a day:

Morning rituals (e.g., same breakfast, same music)

Afternoon calm-down time

Night routines (even if it’s just 5 minutes of storytelling)

These help your child feel safe — and safety leads to connection.

2.    Focus on One Skill at a Time

It’s tempting to try everything at once: speech therapy, OT, sensory diets, phonics classes.

But slow down.

Choose one small skill that matters in daily life — asking for help or brushing teeth without tears — and work gently, consistently on that.

Use praise, visual support, and gentle redirection instead of constant correction.

3.    Use Play as Your Superpower

Play is not a waste of time.

It’s the language your child speaks fluently.

Even 10 minutes of floor play daily (where you follow their lead) builds trust, encourages communication, and reduces anxiety.

No agenda. Just connection.

4.    Track the Wins — However, Tiny

Keep a “Victory Jar.”

Every time your child does something brave, different, or new (even if it’s just making eye contact or sitting still for 2 minutes), write it on a slip and drop it in.

On tough days, read them aloud together.

You’ll be surprised how much they’ve grown — even when you weren’t looking.

5.    Don’t Forget You

Your child needs a regulated, present adult.

That means:

• Saying NO to toxic advice
• Taking 5 quiet minutes for yourself daily
• Reaching out for help (yes, it’s brave — not weak)

Because when you feel seen, you help your child feel the same.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Behind. You’re Right Where You Need to Be.

There’s no rush. No race. No perfect parent award.

After the diagnosis, what your child needs most is not a super-parent.

They need a safe, curious, consistent one — who shows up, learns with them, and loves loudly.

And if today, showing up just means hugging your child a little longer, that’s enough.

An Activity for This Week: “The Yes List”

Make a list with your child of everything they can do — no matter how small.

Draw it, paint it, act it out — make it fun!

Stick it on the fridge or their room wall.

This becomes a visual reminder of strengths — for both of you.

Need someone to help you map the next steps for your child with confidence and calm?

Book a 1:1 session with me here: https://topmate.io/namita_das11

Let’s talk. Let’s plan. Let’s breathe together.

Recommended Resources to Support Your Journey

Navigating life after a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Here are some carefully selected, free online courses that can empower you with knowledge and practical strategies:

Understanding ADHD and Child Development

• ADHD in Child Development: Delve into the symptoms of ADHD in children, explore its impact on parenting, and learn about various treatment approaches.
• Introduction to ADHD Awareness: Gain insights into ADHD, including its diagnosis, treatment options, and how therapy and medication can assist in managing the condition.
• Diploma in the Symptoms, Treatment and Management of ADHD This comprehensive course covers the real impact of ADHD on individuals and families, offering strategies for effective management.

Deepening Your Understanding of Child Psychology

• Diploma in Child Psychology: Explore the developmental stages of childhood, understand various parenting styles, and learn how to support children through each phase.
• Child Psychology: The Importance of Play Discover the critical role of play in childhood development and how it can be used to cultivate healthy social and mental habits.
• Child Development: Play Therapy Learn how play therapy can assist preschoolers in improving social skills mental health, and overcoming behavioral challenges.

Supporting Children with Developmental Disorders

• Introduction to Developmental Disorders: Understand disorders like Autism, Asperger’s, and ADHD, and learn strategies for providing care to children living with these conditions.
• Understanding Child Development and Disabilities Increase your understanding of child development and learn about additional needs and challenges some children face.

These resources are designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to support your child’s unique journey. Remember, every small step you take makes a significant difference.

If you need personalised guidance or have specific questions, please book a 1:1 consultation with me here: https://topmate.io/namita_das11.

You’re doing an incredible job, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.