Practical advice and strategies to help parents navigate the complexities of raising neurodiverse children
By Nicola Killops It doesn’t always start with a perfect report card.In fact, it rarely does. It starts with the child who feels everything.The one who couldn’t tolerate tags in their clothes as a toddler. Who noticed when you changed shampoo. Who melted down in noisy places, lit up around adults, and asked questions like,…
Choosing subjects at the end of Grade 9 can feel like standing at a crossroads with no clear signposts. Parents want to make the right decision, schools have their expectations, and students often feel caught in the middle. And when it comes to maths, the pressure can be overwhelming. But does every student really need…
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your child with ADHD seems to experience emotions on a whole different level, you’re not alone. Emotional dysregulation is one of the most challenging—and misunderstood—aspects of ADHD. It’s not just about getting upset easily or being “too sensitive.” It’s a full-on neurological rollercoaster that doesn’t come with an…
“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 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 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,…
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….
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….
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…
Bullying is not a buzzword – it’s a pandemic. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes, it is so subtle that it is almost impossible for the victim to articulate or pinpoint. It can be physical, psychological, or emotional. But, what is bullying exactly? Kids disagree. They get into moods, and some seem…
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…
