Page 14 - IFV Issue 1_2024

Estate News

Educating Neurodiverse Children:
HELPING THEM BE SEEN AND HEARD

BY GERSHOM AITCHISON.HEADMASTER OF EDUCATION INCORPORATED AND CREATOR OF EDUTHINK PODCASTS.
s a school principal, I’m lucky to their son’s needs and for me, him to Orion College. Unfortunately,
to have been part of the many this underscores the importance of he outgrew it and went through two
Atransformative journeys our embracing neurodiversity in education. more schools before finally settling in
students and their families have gone There is no one-size-fits-all approach. the right environment (nine schools in
through. Every journey is different – as Some children learn differently, and we total). But despite the challenges, he’s
is every child – but as two remarkable owe it to them to nurture that rather grown into a strapping, bright young
mothers recently highlighted during than exclude them because of it. man, thriving under Gershom’s care
an EduThink Podcast, we are doing our Nicola touches on her journey with and wisdom.”
children a disservice if we don’t learn James: “James is what they call ‘Twice Says Jo, “When our son arrived, signs
to understand and ultimately embrace Exceptional’ or ‘2E’ – intellectually of sensory issues emerged around
their differences. gifted, with dyslexia and high- two-and-a-half years. Meltdowns
Jo Judnick Wilson and Nicola Killops functioning autism. Early on, I noticed and intensified sensory challenges
are both parents to neurodiverse sons. he was different, struggling with sleep followed. After joining support groups
Nicola’s son is 19 and was diagnosed and speech delays. and seeking professional advice, our
with autism at age 7. Jo’s son is 13 and “His journey through various schools, son was diagnosed with autism around
was diagnosed at 4. including a remedial school and a age 4.
Jo and Nicola have both faced specialised dyslexia programme (The “We faced conflicts about mainstream
challenges finding schools that cater Davis Programme), eventually led versus remedial education, and the

12 • Issue 1 2024 • The Villager