They are not "naughty" children they are Neurodiverse - ADHD, ASD, dyslexic etc

$180 of $31,500 goal

Given by 3 generous donors in 5 weeks

40% NZ kids are Neurodiverse ie ADHD, ASD, OCD, etc are bullied, causing anxiety, depression & suicide from 7-8 yo. We NEED your HELP!

Wellington, Upper Hutt City

Celebrating Neurodivergent Kiwis & encouraging awareness to allow all Kiwis to live their best lives is at the heart of the inaugural Neurodiversity Celebration Week running from Monday, 13 March until Friday, 17 March.

Creating inclusivity & equitable communities is the reason DivergenThinking are launching the globally recognised awareness week in NZ. DivergenThinking is an organisation supporting schools, universities, and organisations by giving them the tools to break down barriers & recognise the many advantages & talents of being Neurodiverse.

Est 40% of pop. may be Neurodiverse and unaware of it, while the remaining 60% will also have Neurodiverse traits to varying degrees. A key reason for bringing this initiative to NZ is that we want to break down the barriers that dictate how Neurodiverse individuals are perceived and supported. Research & anecdotally we know that being ignorant of Neurodiversity impacts on people’s mental health with increased risk of burnout and suicide.

Sadly this starts from 7-8 years old for our Neurodiverse (ADHD, ASD, dyslexic to name a few) children. Wikus from Maidstone Intermediate school reached out. Before his tenure Maidstone had one of the highest stand down rates of "naughty" aka Neurodiverse children. Wikus wants to turn this around and show others they can do the same.

We want to support to Wikus & his students & we need your help!

DivergenThinking's involvement (page creator)

Investing in youth will positively impact Neurodiverse lives & mental wellbeing. We'll assist Maidstone Intermediate School in better supporting families, friends, and caregivers of Neurodiverse students facing challenges in school.

Use of funds

Funds will develop and deliver the Neurodiversity school program, educating teachers, staff, and Wikus about creating an inclusive school environment that caters to different brain wiring and improves mental wellbeing.