Parents, caregivers, and educators supporting neurodivergent children don’t just plan or problem-solve—they often lend their own nervous system. This process, called co-regulation, helps children feel safe, steady, and supported as their capacity for self-regulation develops. It is biological, relational, and necessary. But when co-regulation becomes constant and unbounded, the adult quietly carries the load, increasing the risk of burnout and emotional exhaustion over time.

Not all challenges are visible. I’ve seen how hidden learning difficulties can shape a child’s confidence and identity in ways we don’t always notice. This piece reflects on those quiet struggles—what gets missed, why support often comes late, and how educational therapy can offer real tools, not labels. It’s not about fixing kids. It’s about helping them feel seen, understood, and ready for what’s ahead.