Episode Summary

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

Who This Episode Is For

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 TakeawaysFinding 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, Kitty is accepting new clients at Inner Evolution.

Parenting Neurodiverse Children: Tips from Therapist Kitty Hovatter LGMFT

The JOY Factor