“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
I joined Jo Judnick Wilson on the EduThink Podcast about a year ago to share our experiences raising neurodiverse sons. Revisiting that conversation recently, I was reminded how relevant it is for parents navigating similar journeys. Jo’s son, now 14, was diagnosed with autism at age 4. My son
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
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
Autism comes with a range of unique strengths that often get overlooked in conversations focused too much on the challenges. But the truth is, autistic individuals bring something really special to the table. Many have an incredible eye for detail—spotting things others completely miss. Their honesty and directness mean
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
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
Lauren Fischer knows that modern parenting doesn’t come with a manual—it's an ever-evolving journey full of unexpected challenges and profound rewards. Her experience as a mother of three, including twins, has fuelled her passion for helping families find balance and connection amidst the chaos of daily
On Becoming a Mom Nothing prepares you for motherhood. And everyone who has been there tells you this when you are expecting for the first time, but somehow, you believe you have it all under control. Fast forward even a few months, and there you are, telling expectant mothers that
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
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
South Africa's education system is under siege, not from budget cuts or overfilled classrooms, but from a growing black market that threatens to erode the very foundation of our qualifications. Fake matric certificates, available for as little as R1,500, are being openly sold online to desperate individuals
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
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—
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
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’
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
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
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
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