Discussions and resources aimed at promoting awareness and advocating for the rights and needs of neurodiverse individuals.
“Keep calm and carry on.” It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But for parents of neurodiverse children—especially those with high-functioning autism, ADHD, or other exceptionalities—stress often feels like an uninvited guest who refuses to leave. It’s not just the challenges we face; it’s how they stack up, day after day, testing our patience and resilience….
Raising a neurodiverse child often feels like an uphill battle against misunderstanding and judgement. As the mother of an incredible, twice-exceptional son, I know this journey all too well. James, now 20, is still in school and continues to surprise me with his growth and resilience. With high-functioning autism and profound creativity, he challenges societal…
Raising a child with sensory-seeking needs often feels like managing a high-energy storm. There are moments of joy, exhaustion, and confusion, often wrapped into one. When my son was seven, he went through what we called his Houdini phase—vanishing in the blink of an eye. Once, during a grocery run, I found him in the…
When James was diagnosed with autism back in 2011, I was floored. It wasn’t like the movies or the stories you read about where everything suddenly made sense, and we all held hands and found a new way forward. No, I felt lost. I didn’t even know what I was supposed to feel for a…
The idea that dyslexia has been around longer than books and reading is a powerful reminder of the ancient roots of this neurological difference. Dyslexia isn’t a modern issue that arose with the invention of reading; it’s a fundamental variation in how the brain processes language—a variation that’s been part of human history for as…
Neurodiversity has become something of a buzzword lately, but it’s often misunderstood. Too many people hear the term and immediately think of learning disorders or developmental delays, assuming it means something is “wrong” with those who are neurodiverse. While these aspects can be part of the picture, neurodiversity is so much more than that—and often,…
It’s a crazy world out there. And it is just getting crazier. As adults, most of us are in survival mode as we sprint to keep up with the hamster wheel of life. South Africans are stressed out. A study was conducted across 34 countries to determine the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) of various nations,…
Finding the right learning environment for children with unique educational needs can be daunting. The journey to securing the appropriate support and accommodations is crucial for their academic and personal growth. Let me share a story many parents might relate to: a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. A Journey of Perseverance and Discovery Imagine…
As a specialist in gifted education and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that parents of gifted children face within our education system. Despite their remarkable potential, these children are often underserved and misunderstood. It’s time to change that narrative and give them the support they deserve. Understanding Giftedness Giftedness…
As educators and parents, we often meet children who don’t fit neatly into traditional moulds. These children may struggle in conventional classrooms, not because they lack ability, but because their abilities far exceed what standard environments can accommodate. Gifted children frequently display traits like ADHD, Autism, OCD, and anxiety—elements of their experience but not the…
Many women navigate life unaware that their struggles with focus, organisation, and overwhelming emotions could be symptoms of ADHD. These challenges are often brushed off as quirks, yet they reflect a deeper issue that is frequently overlooked. It’s not about forgetfulness or a messy workspace but an ongoing internal struggle for clarity and control. ADHD…
As a society, we often view differences as something to be feared or avoided. However, the concept of neurodiversity challenges this perspective by celebrating the unique ways our brains work. Before delving into the quotes, it’s important to understand what we mean by neurodiversity. Essentially, neurodiversity is the idea that there is no single “normal”…
By 2013 I had been teaching in mainstream schools for 12 years. I loved my relationships with my students but was frustrated and overwhelmed with paperwork and red tape. A confined curriculum stifled my creativity, and I knew something had to change. A friend of mine worked at Radford House, the only official school for…
When you think of names like Elon Musk, Nikola Tesla, Daryl Hannah, Anthony Hopkins, and Bill Gates, autism might not be the first thing that comes to mind. These individuals are synonymous with success, innovation, and creativity. Yet, they all have or identify as having high-functioning autism (HFA). The increase in autism diagnoses over recent…
