Managing Stress as a Parent of a Neurodiverse Child
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Managing Stress as a Parent of a Neurodiverse Child

“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….

Boldly Different: Parenting a Neurodiverse Child in a World That Doesn’t Get It
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Boldly Different: Parenting a Neurodiverse Child in a World That Doesn’t Get It

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…

Six Ways to Support Sensory-Seeking Behaviour in Children
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Six Ways to Support Sensory-Seeking Behaviour in Children

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…

Autism and Anxiety: The Hidden Struggles You Don’t Always See

Autism and Anxiety: The Hidden Struggles You Don’t Always See

When your child seems “fine” to everyone else, explaining the silent battles they face feels impossible. For those of us raising kids with high-functioning autism, the struggles are often invisible. Anxiety doesn’t always show up with obvious signs, and that makes it harder to get others to understand just how overwhelming everyday life can be….

The 5 Steps of Grieving an Autism Diagnosis: A Journey You Didn’t Ask For, But Here We Are
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The 5 Steps of Grieving an Autism Diagnosis: A Journey You Didn’t Ask For, But Here We Are

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…

Dyslexia: The Ancient Brain Difference That Predates the Written Word
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Dyslexia: The Ancient Brain Difference That Predates the Written Word

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: What It Is and What It Isn’t
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Neurodiversity: What It Is and What It Isn’t

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,…

Boosting Kids’ Critical Thinking: A Parent’s Guide to Promoting Independent Thought
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Boosting Kids’ Critical Thinking: A Parent’s Guide to Promoting Independent Thought

About two years ago, I left the classroom to embark on a new adventure as a writer and education consultant. While I love the new challenges that my new role brings, I will always be grateful for the treasured time I spent engaging with a roomful of kids who were all mine, all year long….

Guiding Your Child Through Exam Stress: Practical Strategies for Well-Being and Success
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Guiding Your Child Through Exam Stress: Practical Strategies for Well-Being and Success

Exams are a significant part of a child’s educational journey, but they can also be a major source of stress and anxiety. Understanding how to support your child during this time is crucial as a parent. It’s not just about helping them achieve good grades but ensuring they balance their academic responsibilities and overall well-being….

A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Grade Four
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A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Grade Four

As each school year begins, your social media feed is likely filled with proud parent posts showing excited, smiling children donning their uniforms for the first time as they embark on their grade one journey. There’s also no shortage of posts from parents marking the start of their child’s high school years in grade eight…

Why Was I Tested on This? Understanding How Bloom’s Taxonomy Shapes Assessments
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Why Was I Tested on This? Understanding How Bloom’s Taxonomy Shapes Assessments

Has your child ever come home frustrated, insisting they were tested on material not taught in class? This is a common concern among students and parents alike. Teachers use a framework called Bloom’s Taxonomy to help students develop a wide range of cognitive skills. Understanding this approach can help you support your child better. I’ve…

The Overlooked Potential: Addressing the Needs of Gifted Children
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The Overlooked Potential: Addressing the Needs of Gifted Children

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…

Raising Cheetahs: How the Right Environment Empowers Gifted Children
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Raising Cheetahs: How the Right Environment Empowers Gifted Children

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…