The free ‘Meaningful Conversations: Neurodiverse Panel Discussion’ will feature four experts — Aspiring Therapy’s Kiara Moore, Learning Differences’ Chris Cole, clinician Debbie Saint and Parent to Parent Southland regional co-ordinator MaryAnn Hughes — discussing neurodiversity literacy and the barriers to diagnosing neurodiversity in adults.
The week, which runs until this Sunday, aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodiversity, an umbrella term for describing thinking styles such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette syndrome.
Founded in 2018, but first recognised in New Zealand in 2023, the week also celebrates the talents of neurodiverse minds, which make up 15-20% of the population.
Queenstown non-profit Pivotal Point provides support to neurodivergent children and their families in the Whakatipu.
Founder and chief executive Lisa Leftley says it connects families with the correct services, offers free in-school screening and creates personalised support plans.
It works with schools to foster inclusive education environments, and runs support groups for families.
They’re held on the first Tuesday of every month, from 10.15am to 11.45am, either at Remarkables Park’s Te Atamira or the Frankton library — see Pivotal Point’s Facebook page for location updates.
Leftley says the charity is constantly seeking donations, through the ‘Pivotal Point Pledge’, to help fund expensive assessments and therapies for families who can’t otherwise afford them. For more info, or to donate, visit pivotalpoint.org.nz
- ‘Meaningful Conversations: Neurodiverse Panel Discussion’, Frankton library, Thursday, March 27, 5.30pm — spaces are limited, to register, via humanitix.com
