You've Got This: Navigating IEPs, 504 Plans, and Parenting a Neurodivergent Child with Kitty Hovatter LGMFT

Kitty Hovatter, Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, returns to the Joy Factor Podcast for a deep dive into one of the most overwhelming parts of parenting a neurodivergent child — navigating the school system. Whether you're brand new to the process or just left an IEP meeting feeling lost, this episode is your cheat sheet.

In this episode, we cover:

• What an IEP and a 504 plan actually are — and how they differ
• Which conditions qualify (hint: it's more than just ADHD and autism)
• Why girls are often diagnosed much later, and what signs to watch for
• How to prepare yourself before walking into that meeting
• What schools are required to provide — and how to advocate for more
• The importance of getting your child's buy-in in the process
• Recognizing parental burnout and practical ways to refill your cup
• Screen time, social media, and the Wait Until 8th movement
• Small joys that help the whole family regulate — including letting your kid pick the car music

Resources mentioned:

• Wait Until 8th — a parent pledge to delay smartphone use until 8th grade

Connect with Kitty Hovatter:

• Inner-Evolution Therapy | Frederick, Maryland
• www.inner-evolution.com