Bonus 1: Navigating Neurodivergence: Parenting Strategies for Autism and Anxiety with Dr. Hannah Samaha

Navigating Neurodivergence: Parenting Strategies for Autism and Anxiety with Dr. Hannah Samaha

Robyn talks with psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha about the overlap between anxiety, autism, and ADHD, and how parents can support neurodivergent kids while still encouraging growth and independence.

In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr. Hannah Samaha for a conversation that many parents have been asking about. One of the most common questions I receive is whether the SPACE model works for kids who also have autism or ADHD. Hannah brings an important perspective because she works right at the intersection of anxiety and neurodivergence.

We talk about how conversations around autism and ADHD have become a major topic in parenting and clinical spaces. Some approaches focus heavily on accommodating children’s needs, while others emphasize helping kids stretch beyond their comfort zones. Hannah helps unpack what this tension actually looks like for families and how parents can think about support and growth at the same time.

Throughout the episode, we explore how anxiety often shows up alongside neurodivergence and why understanding that overlap matters. Hannah shares insights from her work doing psychological testing and supporting kids with both anxiety and developmental differences.

If you’re parenting a child who is neurodivergent, anxious, or both, this conversation offers a thoughtful way to approach the challenge. It’s not about choosing between accommodation and independence. It’s about finding a balance that helps your child feel understood while still building confidence and capability over time.

Shared Resources: 

• Follow Dr. Hannah on Instagram @itsdoctorhannah
• Dr. Hannah’s website
• Robyn’s 6-Week Parent Cohort
• Follow Robyn on Instagram @parentingtheanxiouschild 
• Parenting the Anxious Child Membership
• Sign up for Robyn’s Newsletter and find additional resources