Understanding the Teenage Brain and Neurodiversity

Family Talk with Dr Bettina Hohnen

Care Visions’ latest Family Talk paired public health doctor Linda de Caestecker with clinical psychologist Dr Bettina Hohnen for a compelling discussion on the teenage brain, neurodiversity, and practical help for families.

Dr Hohnen began with her own journey: after failing A-levels and disengaging from school, she rediscovered learning in her twenties, trained as a clinical psychologist, and developed a specialism in the neuroscience of adolescence. That lived experience fuels her compassion for young people who struggle in education.

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity means every brain works differently, and those differences should be understood and valued, not ‘fixed’.

Diagnosis, self-diagnosis and waiting lists

Online assessments can prompt self-reflection but aren’t reliable for diagnosis. Seek a professional consultation to rule out other conditions. While waiting for NHS support, families can:

Build everyday skills - planning, flexibility, focus
Tweak the environment - quiet spaces, clear routines
Use simple strategies - short breaks, linking activities to interests

Executive function: everyday strategies

Executive functions (planning, impulse control, flexibility) often develop more slowly in neurodivergent children, but can be strengthened through:

Name the skill – “That was being impulsive. How could you pause next time?”
Talk about it daily – “When did you need to be flexible today?”
Practice together – homework, packing, cooking side-by-side

Teenage brain - opportunity and risk

Puberty rewires the brain into the mid-20s, making teens more social, emotional and risk-taking. This is a period of growth but also vulnerability—most mental health problems emerge then. For children with trauma, one steady, dependable adult is vital.

Medication, food and support

ADHD medication can improve focus and confidence, but requires monitoring for side effects. Medicine works best with skills coaching. Diet should avoid extremes and be tailored to what helps the child feel balanced.

Working with schools

School support is stretched, so proactive communication helps. Share strategies that work at home so teachers can mirror them. Girls may mask ADHD or autism signs—parents’ insights are essential.

Supporting parents

Parenting neurodiverse teens can bring exhaustion and guilt. Dr Hohnen’s “three Cs” help:

Curiosity – about the child and your own reactions
Compassion – for them and yourself
Courage – to hold boundaries and ask for help

Perfection isn’t required—“good enough” parenting is the goal.

Listen now for practical insights into the teenage brain, neurodiversity and everyday strategies that really help.
www.carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk