VIG and the Benefits of Supporting a Neurodivergent Parent and Her Baby
Catherine is a first‑time mam living in the Inner West locality of Newcastle with her baby son, Carter. At the time she first engaged with the Little Minds in Mind (LMIM) service, Carter was around 7 – 8 months old. Catherine received a diagnosis of autism approximately a year earlier, much later in life, and was navigating both a new understanding of herself and the transition to parenthood.
Catherine shared that her autism affects her experiences within larger groups, her interpretation of micro‑expressions, and her confidence in reading social cues. These challenges became more pronounced as she cared for her baby, particularly during times of crying, big emotions, and night-time distress.
Initial Engagement
Catherine first met Helen, LMIM practitioner, in February 2025 at the Well Baby and Family Clinic held at the Carnegie Building Community Hub (Riverside Community Health Project). Helen regularly attends the hub as part of LMIM service promotion, networking, and facilitation of the Watch Me Play Therapeutic Drop‑in Group.
Catherine approached Helen with curiosity about LMIM and asked a number of thoughtful questions. She expressed interest in attending the Watch Me Play group and chose to engage at the Nunsmoor Centre, which was closer to her home and felt more accessible for her.
Overview of Support
Between February 2025 and January 2026, Catherine accessed a combination of LMIM therapeutic support and Video Interaction Guidance (VIG), delivered primarily through the Inner West Community Family Hub.
Support included:
- 8 LMIM therapeutic support sessions
- 3 cycles of Video Interaction Guidance
- 6 Parent Shared Review sessions
- A total of 14 contacts
Following discussion with Catherine, the support focused on:
- Recognising and understanding Carter’s cues and crying
- Responding to night‑time distress
- Building confidence in reading facial expressions and gestures
- Parental containment
- Psychoeducation around Infant Mental Health (IMH), early brain development, attunement, reciprocity, and maternal mental health
All sessions were delivered in a neuro affirming, strengths‑based way manner. Care was taken to work at Catherine’s pace, reduce anxiety, and ensure that she felt safe, understood, and respected throughout the process. Helen also ensured that the “voice of the infant” was captured and centred within the work.
Video Interaction Guidance (VIG)
Once a trusting relationship had been established, VIG was introduced. Helen explained how VIG focuses on positive moments of interaction and attunement, rather than difficulties or deficits. Together, Catherine and Helen agreed a VIG “helping question”:
“What am I already doing to promote my bond with my baby?”
Catherine approached the process with openness and curiosity, alongside natural apprehension about watching herself on video. During Parent Shared Review sessions, short clips of everyday interactions with Carter were viewed together, highlighting moments of connection, responsiveness, and attunement.
Impact and Outcomes
Catherine described feeling surprised and deeply reassured when watching the videos. She was able to recognise her own micro‑expressions, warmth, and responsiveness, and to see how Carter was clearly responding to her. This was particularly meaningful given her long‑held worries about communication and emotional expression linked to her autism.
Catherine reported that VIG significantly improved her confidence as a parent and reduced her anxiety and stress. She felt better able to understand Carter’s emotions and trust her instincts, describing the experience as transformative. She reflected that gaining this self‑awareness enabled her to meet her baby’s social and emotional needs more confidently and with greater enjoyment.
Parent Voice
Catherine shared the following feedback, which she consented to be shared:
“LMIM has been the most beneficial and impactful service I have used since my baby was born… Seeing moments of connection between me and my baby through video has given me so much confidence and reassurance that I am doing well as a parent.”
Infant Voice
“My mammy looks at my face a lot more now, she has slowed right down and takes time to wonder what I am trying to tell her. Little Minds in Mind really helped my mammy to understand me and I love our relationship now”.
*The names and picture in this have been preserved to change identity
