Page 15 - IFV Issue 1_2024

Estate News

journey included homeschooling will ultimately surprise you and many child’s uniqueness. While neurodiverse
during the pandemic. Eventually, we others.” children can face challenges in life, in
found a supportive environment at Jo adds, “You begin life with school and social situations, parents
Education Incorporated, where he felt expectations – like you’re going to get and educators can help them overcome
comfortable and chose to stay back a married, have kids – and it’s all in this barriers and thrive.
year for his wellbeing.” perfect little box. Then life really hits Many neurodiverse people have
My conversation with Nicola and Jo you, and it turns out messy. But the made a profound impact on the world.
highlighted how crucial it is for every messy parts are the beautiful parts. Director Tim Burton, tech pioneer
child to be seen – to be respected – not Messy is where you grow and learn, and Steve Jobs and fellow Silicon Valley
despite who they are, but because of it. change is inevitable. billionaire Bill Gates, are among the
Nicola explains, “Don’t underestimate “I was recently asked in an interview neurodivergent changemakers who
your child. If you start with a mindset who I look up to. I responded that, have achieved success far beyond
that your child is incapable, that’s quite literally, I don’t look up; I look anything most ‘normal’ people ever
exactly what they will be. I have had down because I’m taller than him. I look will.
teachers who have said James is up to my son because he has taught me Being different should be a source of
incapable, and this was often when the so much.” pride, never shame. As Nicola and Jo
child was sitting in the room listening. As social entrepreneur Vivienne have proved, with early intervention,
I always tell my son, ‘Whatever it is, Schultz said, “We are all under consistent therapy, being a tireless
it’s not your fault. It’s the teacher who construction,” but we need the right advocate for your child, finding other
doesn’t understand you.’” building blocks to progress with our parents to connect with, and having
“If somebody isn’t getting it, it’s not journeys. As educators and parents, no expectations except giving your
you. It’s them. Always believe in your it falls to us to give our children the child the tools they need to become
child. If you believe in them and show bricks and mortar they need to build the person they want to be, they can
them – teach them that they’re capable themselves up. become functional, highly successful
– you’re going to create somebody Jo and Nicola acknowledge there is human beings – and it is our privilege
who is very resilient and motivated and no single recipe for success, given each to educate them.

If you would like to hear the podcast, follow this link: https://iono.fm/e/1381962

The Villager • Issue 1 2024 • 13