Support for Neurodivergent Families
Therapy for families navigating the unique emotional dynamics of raising or living with a neurodivergent loved one — with care, clarity, and compassion.
The Challenges of a Neurodivergent Family System
Living in a neurodivergent household comes with unique joys and unique stressors. Whether you're parenting a child with autism, ADHD, or sensory challenges — or navigating neurodivergence yourself — relationships can become strained under the weight of miscommunication, burnout, and emotional overload.
You may be experiencing:
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate it all on your own.
How Therapy Can Support Your Family
Therapy offers a place where each family member’s voice matters — including those who may struggle to express themselves. It’s not about “fixing” anyone, but about building understanding, flexibility, and resilience in your relationships.
Together, we can:
- Improve emotional regulation and reduce conflict
- Strengthen communication between parents, siblings, and partners
- Explore the impact of neurodivergence on family roles and routines
- Develop supportive strategies for parenting and co-regulation
- Address stress, resentment, or grief with empathy and honesty
My Approach to Neurodivergent Family Therapy
As someone with personal and professional experience supporting neurodivergent families, I approach this work with deep compassion and insight. I tailor sessions to fit your family’s unique structure, needs, and sensory sensitivities. I often draw from family systems therapy, mindfulness techniques, and collaborative, strength-based models that honor neurodivergent ways of being.
My role is to hold space for each person’s experience while helping the family function more smoothly — with more grace, less guilt, and stronger connection.
“You’re doing more than you know. Let’s create a space where your family feels supported, not judged.
What Clients Say
“Before working with Irene, I didn’t even realize how anxious I was all the time. She helped me slow down, breathe, and feel like I wasn’t broken — just burnt out.”
What Clients Say
“I used to feel like my mind never shut off. Now I feel like I have actual tools that work. And I know I’m not alone.”
What Clients Say
“Irene helped me realize I don’t have to say yes to everything. Learning to set boundaries changed everything.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my child need a formal diagnosis for us to work together?
No. Whether your child is diagnosed, undiagnosed, or you're simply navigating differences in neurodevelopment, therapy can still be helpful.
Q: Can sessions include the whole family?
Yes. I work with family units in whatever form feels most useful — whether that’s parents only, parents and children, or sessions that shift over time.
Q: Do you work with siblings too?
Yes. Sibling relationships are often affected in neurodivergent households. Supporting siblings is an important part of creating family-wide connection.
Q: Do you offer sessions online?
Yes — I offer both in-person sessions in Newport Beach and online therapy throughout California.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you're looking for support as a neurodivergent family — whether you're at the beginning of your journey or feeling overwhelmed — I’d be honored to help.
Maria Irene Alvarez de Schwartz, LMFT 155789
(949) 385-3689
Newport Beach Office
1000 Quail St., Suite 220
Laguna Beach Office
333 3rd St #6
Online Therapy
California Residents Only
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