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Radio NZ

'It Was Heartbreaking' - The Challenges of Getting Neurodivergent Kids to School


Published 19 November 2024.


Our CEO Justine Munro and Head of Programmes Madelaine Armstrong-Willcocks spoke with Radio New Zealand about the critical challenges neurodivergent tamariki face in our education system.


The reality? Over 90% of students with significant school absence have neurodiversities like autism or dyslexia. 


"Stop treating school attendance as if it's an issue of bad parenting or bad kids, start treating it as a neurodiversity issue." 

This isn't just about attendance - it's about creating an education system that truly works for every brain. Our rangatahi deserve learning environments that embrace their unique ways of thinking and learning.


Key takeaways from the story: 

  • School attendance challenges often signal unmet neurodiversity needs 

  • Flexible, individualised learning approaches show promising results 

  • Urgent need for increased learning support funding 

  • Teacher development and support are crucial 


 

  • Listen to the radio story here


  • Read the article here.




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