Page 37 - Waterfall City Issue 2 February 2024

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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 PHOTO BY MARISA HOWENSTINE
them – teach them that they’re capable
– you’re going to create somebody who As social entrepreneur Vivienne Schultz Steve Jobs and fellow Silicon Valley
is very resilient and motivated and will said, “We are all under construction,” billionaire Bill Gates, are among the
ultimately surprise you and many others.” but we need the right building blocks neurodivergent changemakers who
to progress with our journeys. As have achieved success far beyond
Jo adds, “You begin life with educators and parents, it falls to us to anything most ‘normal’ people ever
expectations – like you’re going to get give our children the bricks and mortar will.
married, have kids – and it’s all in this they need to build themselves up.
perfect little box. Then life really hits Being different should be a source of
you, and it turns out messy. But the Jo and Nicola acknowledge there is no pride, never shame. As Nicola and Jo
messy parts are the beautiful parts. single recipe for success, given each have proved, with early intervention,
Messy is where you grow and learn, child’s uniqueness. While neurodiverse consistent therapy, being a tireless
and change is inevitable. children can face challenges in advocate for your child, finding other
life, in school and social situations, parents to connect with, and having
“I was recently asked in an interview parents and educators can help them no expectations except giving your
who I look up to. I responded that, overcome barriers and thrive. child the tools they need to become
quite literally, I don’t look up; I look the person they want to be, they can
down because I’m taller than him. I Many neurodiverse people have made become functional, highly successful
look up to my son because he has a profound impact on the world. human beings – and it is our privilege
taught me so much.” Director Tim Burton, tech pioneer to educate them.

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