Page 17 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 1_2024

Dainfern Square really does
have something for everyone.
Today's Child
TODAY'S CHILD
“His journey through various schools, exactly what they will be. I have had it falls to us to give our children the
including a remedial school and a teachers who have said James is bricks and mortar they need to build
specialised dyslexia programme (The incapable, and this was often when the themselves up.
Davis Programme), eventually led child was sitting in the room listening.
him to Orion College. Unfortunately, I always tell my son, ‘Whatever it is, Jo and Nicola acknowledge there is no
he outgrew it and went through two it’s not your fault. It’s the teacher who single recipe for success, given each
more schools before finally settling in doesn’t understand you.’” child’s uniqueness. While neurodiverse
the right environment (nine schools in children can face challenges in
total). But despite the challenges, he’s “If somebody isn’t getting it, it’s not life, in school and social situations,
grown into a strapping, bright young you. It’s them. Always believe in your parents and educators can help them
man, thriving under Gershom’s care child. If you believe in them and show overcome barriers and thrive.
and wisdom.” them – teach them that they’re capable
– you’re going to create somebody Many neurodiverse people have
Says Jo, “When our son arrived, signs who is very resilient and motivated and made a profound impact on the world.
of sensory issues emerged around will ultimately surprise you and many Director Tim Burton, tech pioneer
two-and-a-half years. Meltdowns others.” Steve Jobs and fellow Silicon Valley
and intensified sensory challenges billionaire Bill Gates are among the
followed. After joining support groups Jo adds, “You begin life with neurodivergent changemakers who
and seeking professional advice, our expectations – like you’re going to get have achieved success far beyond
son was diagnosed with autism around married, have kids – and it’s all in this anything most ‘normal’ people ever will.
age 4. perfect little box. Then life really hits
you, and it turns out messy. But the Being different should be a source of
“We faced conflicts about mainstream messy parts are the beautiful parts. pride, never shame. As Nicola and Jo
versus remedial education, and the Messy is where you grow and learn, have proved, with early intervention,
journey included homeschooling and change is inevitable. consistent therapy, being a tireless
during the pandemic. Eventually, we advocate for your child, finding other
found a supportive environment at “I was recently asked in an interview parents to connect with and having
Education Incorporated, where he felt who I look up to. I responded that, no expectations except giving your
comfortable and chose to stay back a quite literally, I don’t look up; I look child the tools they need to become
year for his well-being.” down because I’m taller than him. I the person they want to be, they can
look up to my son because he has become functional, highly successful
My conversation with Nicola and Jo taught me so much.” human beings – and it is our privilege
highlighted how crucial it is for every to educate them.
child to be seen – to be respected – not As social entrepreneur Vivienne
despite who they are, but because of it. Schultz said, “We are all under
If you
Nicola explains, “Don’t underestimate construction,” but we need the right If you
would

ke
your child. If you start with a mindset building blocks to progress with our would like CLICK CLICK
li
that your child is incapable, that’s journeys. As educators and parents, t o hear t he HERE
HERE
to hear the
EDUCATING
pod
cast
podcast,
,

NEURODIVERSE CHILDEN

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