Page 41 - Intra Muros February 2024
P. 41
My conversation with Nicola and Jo
highlighted how crucial it is for every
child to be seen – to be respected – not
despite who they are, but because of it.
Nicola explains, “Don’t underestimate
your child. If you start with a mindset
that your child is incapable, that’s exactly
what they will be. I have had teachers
who have said James is incapable, and
this was often when the child was sitting
in the room listening. I always tell my
son, ‘Whatever it is, it’s not your fault.
It’s the teacher who doesn’t understand
you.’”
“If somebody isn’t getting it, it’s not you.
It’s them. Always believe in your child.
If you believe in them and show them –
teach them that they’re capable – you’re
going to create somebody who is very beautiful parts. Messy is where you grow As social entrepreneur Vivienne Schultz
resilient and motivated and will ultimately and learn, and change is inevitable. said, “We are all under construction,”
surprise you and many others.” but we need the right building blocks to
“I was recently asked in an interview progress with our journeys. As educators
Jo adds, “You begin life with expectations who I look up to. I responded that, quite and parents, it falls to us to give our
– like you’re going to get married, have literally, I don’t look up; I look down children the bricks and mortar they need
kids – and it’s all in this perfect little because I’m taller than him. I look up to build themselves up.
box. Then life really hits you, and it turns to my son because he has taught me so
out messy. But the messy parts are the much.” Jo and Nicola acknowledge there is no
single recipe for success, given each child’s
uniqueness. While neurodiverse children
can face challenges in life, in school and
social situations, parents and educators
can help them overcome barriers and
thrive.
Many neurodiverse people have made a
profound impact on the world. Director
Tim Burton, tech pioneer Steve Jobs
and fellow Silicon Valley billionaire Bill
Gates are among the neurodivergent
changemakers who have achieved success
far beyond anything most ‘normal’ people
ever will.
Being different should be a source of
pride, never shame. As Nicola and Jo have
proved, with early intervention, consistent
therapy, being a tireless advocate for your
child, finding other parents to connect
with and having no expectations except
giving your child the tools they need to
become the person they want to be, they
can become functional, highly successful
human beings – and it is our privilege to
educate them.
If you would like to hear the podcast,
follow this link: https://iono.fm/e/1381962
INTRAMUROS FEBRUARY 2024 | 39
