Weekly Wins 59: Practical Tips for Organising Your Year as a Neurodiverse Family

Organisation can be a double-edged sword for neurodiverse families. While structure can bring calm and predictability, the process of getting organised can feel overwhelming. Sometimes this exists within the same human, i.e. the calm from the structure and the overwhelmed of getting organised, or sometimes you can make the structure and not be able to follow it, or you can just be a hot mess – all people valued here! No judgement! For families balancing unique needs and responsibilities, the idea of mapping out an entire year might seem impossible. This month in my Village we are working through this exact process and it’s so much easier with accountability and support!

But organising your year doesn’t have to be perfect or rigid. It’s about creating systems that work for your family and adapting them as needed.

Why Organisation Matters:

For neurodiverse families, clear and predictable systems can reduce stress, improve communication, and create a sense of security. Whether it’s a colour-coded calendar or a simplified morning routine, having even a loose structure can help everyone feel more grounded.

Organising your year also makes it easier to prioritise. When you know what’s coming, you can focus on what truly matters rather than getting caught up in the chaos of last-minute decisions.

What to Focus On When Organising:

1. Visual Tools:

Many neurodiverse individuals benefit from visual cues. Whether it’s a large family calendar, sticky notes, or a digital app, having your plans visible helps make the abstract concrete.

2. Priorities Over Perfection:

Rather than trying to organise every aspect of your life, focus on a few key areas that will make the biggest difference.

3. Routines, Not Rigidity:

Create predictable routines that provide structure but leave room for flexibility.

The Emotional Benefits of Being Organised:

Organisation isn’t just about schedules and to-do lists (although I do love a good schedule and list!)—it’s about creating space for what matters. For neurodiverse families, that might mean more time for connection, less stress around transitions, or simply a calmer home environment.

Getting organised doesn’t mean getting everything perfect. It’s about creating systems that help your family thrive in a way that feels manageable and supportive. Start small, focus on progress, and let go of the pressure to do it all at once. What’s one area of your life you could organise this week? You can find out more in my Village where we do a challenge (or commitment as I like to call it, because a 'challenge' sounds exhausting!).