Parenting Neurodiverse Children: Tips from Therapist Kitty Hovatter LGMFT

In this episode of The Joy Factor, Julie Hanson sits down with Kristen “Kitty” Hovatter, a

Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, Navy veteran, and mother of three

neurodivergent teens.

Kitty shares her personal and professional experience navigating neurodivergence in the

family system and offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, and neurodivergent

individuals seeking support.

We discuss:

• How to find the right therapist for your neurodivergent child

• What to look for in a consultation

• The difference between therapy and parent coaching

• Practical strategies for communication and family harmony

• Real wins from neurodivergent families

• Kitty’s own “joy factor” and what keeps her grounded

This episode is for:

• Parents of neurodivergent children

• Caregivers navigating school systems (IEPs, 504s)

• Adults recently diagnosed with ADHD or autism

• Anyone seeking supportive, trauma-informed, non-judgmental therapy

Key Takeaways

Finding the Right Therapist

• If the connection isn’t there, ask for someone else

• Start with a 15-minute consultation

• Ask questions like:

• “How often do you work with neurodivergent clients?”

• “How do you structure therapy for neurodivergent kids?”

• “Do you ask direct questions or rely on open-ended prompts?”

What Makes Therapy Work for Neurodivergent Clients

• Consistency and routine

• Clear communication

• Reduced distractions in the environment

• Plenty of choices without overwhelming the client

Therapy vs. Coaching

Therapy focuses on emotional processing and building self-awareness.

Coaching is practical and role-based, with role-play and real-life strategies.

Biggest Wins for Families

• The moment communication clicks

• When parents and kids feel truly understood

• When the family creates a shared language

• When parents stop feeling like they’re “failing” and start seeing growth

Kitty’s Joy Factor

Kitty shares that her joy comes from:

• Baking for her family

• The smell of earth after rain (petrichor)

• Practicing radical acceptance and focusing on the next smallest step

Recommended Resource

Kitty recommends “The Whole-Brain Child” for parents seeking tools to connect with their

neurodivergent children through gentle parenting.

Want Support from Kitty?

If you’re looking for neurodivergence-informed therapy or parent coaching in the state of

Maryland, Kitty is accepting new clients at Inner Evolution.

Learn more about Kitty here:

https://inner-evolution.com/staff/kristen-kitty-hovatter

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Visit: thejoyfactorpodcast.com