My journey into the world of neurodiversity began with the birth of my incredible son, James. From the moment he entered my life, I knew our path would be different—marked by unique challenges, deep learning, and moments of profound joy. As James grew, it became clear that his mind worked in extraordinary and complex ways. He faced speech difficulties and sensory overload and was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, and high-functioning autism.
These diagnoses weren’t just labels—they were keys to understanding James’s world and helping him thrive. As a mother, I was thrust into a role of constant advocacy, learning to navigate an educational system that didn’t always understand or accommodate his needs. At the same time, I was dealing with my challenges, including postnatal depression and the isolation that comes with walking a path so few seem to understand.
But through it all, James’s brilliance shone through. His thirst for knowledge, his unique perspective, and his resilience inspired me to become not just his mother but his biggest advocate. This journey led me to a career in education, specialising in gifted and neurodiverse learners, where I’ve had the privilege of working with many young minds like James.
NeuroParentingHub is the culmination of everything I’ve learned—a space where I can share my experiences, offer support, and connect with others navigating similar journeys. It’s a place built on love, understanding, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place for neurodiverse individuals.
About Our Book: Walking Together
The idea for our book, Walking Together: A Mother and Son’s Journey Through Neurodiversity, came out of countless late-night conversations with James. As he approaches his 21st birthday, we’ve decided that now is the time to share our story—not just from my perspective as a mother but from James’s viewpoint as well.
This book is more than just a memoir; it’s a testament to the resilience, growth, and understanding we’ve both developed. It’s about passing the torch, recognising that while our journey together has been filled with challenges, James is now ready to step into adulthood with confidence and strength.
In Walking Together, we’ll share the highs and lows, the victories and the struggles, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. James will offer his perspective on growing up with dyslexia, ADHD, and high-functioning autism, while I’ll provide insights into what it’s like to raise and advocate for a neurodiverse child.
This book is our way of reaching out to others who might be on a similar path, letting them know they’re not alone. We hope that by sharing our journey, we can offer support, inspiration, and a sense of community to those who need it most.
Stay Tuned: We’re writing and refining our story and can’t wait to share it with you. Keep an eye on this page for updates on our progress, and sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news on the book’s release.
My Stories
Raising a gifted child with ADHD and high-functioning autism has been a journey full of discovery, adaptation, and growth. Alongside my son, James, I’ve navigated the complexities of neurodiversity, seeking out the best support and understanding for his unique needs. These articles are part of our story—honest reflections and practical insights that we’ve gathered along the way. My hope is that by sharing our experiences, other parents will find valuable tools and a sense of community as they embark on their own journeys.
Raising a 2E Child – My Journey
Navigating Life with a High-Functioning Autistic Child: Insights and Expectations