Page 14 - Education Supplement August 2025

What to Do When You’re Not Being Heard And most importantly, remember this: you’re not alone. There
Of course, not every school is open to these are professionals, communities, and other parents walking this
conversations. Sometimes, parents are met with road too. Sometimes quietly. Sometimes bravely. Always with
resistance — polite but firm refusals, or vague their child’s wellbeing at heart.
reassurances that “we’ll monitor things for now.” In
those moments, it’s easy to start doubting yourself. A Final Word from Both of Us
Maybe you’re overreacting. Maybe your child really There’s no perfect script for raising or teaching a neurodivergent
should try harder. Maybe this is just how school is. child. No fixed timeline for growth. No universal strategy that
works for everyone. But there is a thread that connects the most
Pause. Breathe. Trust yourself. powerful support stories we’ve witnessed:

You’re not being difficult. You’re advocating — and Curiosity. Collaboration. Compassion.
that takes strength.
When parents and teachers listen to each other — really listen —
we build bridges. When children are met with openness instead
If you feel like you’re hitting a wall, here are some of assumptions, they stop bracing for failure and start trusting
steps that can help: the environment around them. And when we stop trying to fix
• Document everything. Keep a written log of what isn’t broken, we start discovering the strength in difference.
meetings, requests, and responses.
• Request a formal meeting with learning We believe that mainstream schools can be places of thriving
support staff or a school psychologist if for neurodivergent learners. But not without intention. Not without
available. honesty. Not without the collaboration between parents and
• Ask for an Individual Support Plan (ISP) or any educators. And not without the willingness to change a little in
existing accommodations policy the school order to hold a lot more.
may offer. This is sometimes referred to as an
Individual Education Plan (IEP) or an Individual If this article resonates with you, share it. Start the conversation.
Learning Plan (ILP) Write your “About Me” letter. Offer it to your child’s teacher with
• Bring in an expert voice. An educational the words: I know my child — and I believe we can understand
psychologist or allied professional can help them better, together.
translate concerns into language schools
respond to. Because that’s where belonging truly begins.
• Know your rights. South African education
policy (like SIAS and White Paper 6) supports
inclusive practices — and you’re entitled to seek
About the Authors
appropriate support.
Nicola Killops is a writer, education specialist, and
neurodiversity advocate with a background in gifted
education and media. As a mother to a profoundly
neurodivergent son, her work is rooted in lived experience
and a fierce belief in the power of the right environment.
Nicola collaborates with schools, families, and organisations
to promote inclusive, strengths-based approaches to
learning.

Naledi Mokoena is an educational psychologist, academic,
and founder of Leeto Child Development Centre. With a
special interest in neurodiversity, she supports children and
families in understanding diverse cognitive profiles and
creating environments where all learners can thrive. Her
work bridges research, practice, and empathy — equipping
schools and parents with tools to support each child’s
unique journey.

Together, Nicola and Naledi are working to spark broader
conversations about neurodiversity, inclusion, and the small
changes that lead to big breakthroughs in mainstream
education.

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