Articles #AutismAwareness

This article is me telling the hard and dirty truth about the lack of neurodiversity teaching, support and awareness in the schooling landscape in Cape Town - specifically the Western Seaboard. I also provide a cheat sheet that you can use to vet schools before you even step through the door.

Ever wonder why your neurodivergent kiddo treats the hallway like a bumper car track? 🏎️💨 If you’ve ever had your pedicure ruined by a "bounding" child or wondered why your teen can’t tell you where it hurts until it’s a medical emergency, welcome to the world of the 8 Sensory Systems. We all know the "Big Five," but for my eldest, Olivia, the real stars are Proprioception (body awareness) and Interoception (internal signals). When these systems are under-responsive, life looks like: 🖼️ Double-sided tape on every picture frame. 👣 My big toe acting as a permanent speed bump. 🏥 "I don't feel well" meaning "I'm literally dying" or... nothing at all. But understanding these senses changed everything. It’s why we do co-regulation hugs (the "panini squish") and why I’m vocal about my own sensory limits. I grew up in a house where affection was invisible; now, we verbalize everything—even when I’ve reached capacity for 3-hour Roblox/conspiracy theory lectures. 🛑✋ Being a human is hard. Parenting is harder. Understanding the science makes it just a little bit more manageable. Read the full breakdown of the 8 systems on the blog!

A South African mother and neurodiversity advocate explores what happens when a child's diagnosis — and non-binary identity — meets conservative religious and cultural. expectations. An honest, informed essay for parents, educators, and faith communities.