Understanding Different Brains: CEO Justine Munro on the ADHDifference Podcast
- NiE Project
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
When children feel seen, understood, and celebrated for how their brains work - they flourish.
Our CEO Justine Munro recently joined Julie Legg on the ADHDifference Podcast to share her personal journey as a late-diagnosed ADHD parent raising neurodivergent tamariki, and the transformative work happening across Aotearoa to reimagine inclusive education.
The Power of Understanding
Justine learned she had ADHD only three years ago, well into her successful career leading social change projects. The diagnosis brought clarity - not just about herself, but about her children and extended whānau.
"The strengths that came from my neurodiversity were actually what enabled me to drive the career I have," Justine shared.
"So, it’s always been my energy and my passion and my kind of focus and impulsiveness and that like I don’t like waiting for things, I just go and make them happen, you know - all of that has let me have this wonderful, exciting career."
One in Five Learners
Here's a crucial statistic: as many as one in five learners may be neurodivergent. Yet most teachers have never been trained to recognise or respond to this level of learner variability.
Our approach focuses on empowering teachers to notice and respond to neurodivergent characteristics in simple, practical ways - not getting caught up in individual diagnoses, but creating inclusive environments where all brains can flourish.
What Makes the Difference
Through our work with neurodivergent students across Aotearoa, several key insights have emerged:
Behaviour is Communication "No child wants people to be angry at them," Justine explained. "Their behaviour is telling you that they're not coping in some way or something isn't working for them."
The Invisible Labour Neurodivergent children often work two to three times as hard just to survive at school. The mental energy required to mask differences and navigate social situations is exhausting.
The Teacher Relationship "It's how the teacher treats them that makes or breaks their school experience," Justine emphasised. "If a teacher is curious about them, cares about them, shows the class that they care about them, that kid will have a good time."
What Neurodivergent Learners Need
Our programmes focus on three critical elements:
Connection with Like Minds - Time with people who understand them, where they can just be themselves
Food for Curious Brains - Conceptual thinking, big-picture ideas, and deep engagement with topics they're passionate about
Strength-Based Learning - Using their interests as vehicles for learning while explicitly teaching social-emotional skills
Our Programmes: Free, Fun, and Practical
MindPlus - Available in schools or online, bringing together conceptual thinking, strength-based learning, and social-emotional development
Clubs - Completely free and accessible from anywhere in Aotearoa, connecting curious learners around shared passions
Building A Neuroinclusive School - Online resources and toolkits for educators, from spotting characteristics to creating sensory-friendly classrooms
Welcome To My Brain - An interactive game that helps everyone share how their brain works
Personal Strategies That Work
Justine shared what helps her navigate leadership and family life with ADHD:
Curiosity - Pausing to understand what emotions are telling you
Collaboration - Walking alongside others, seeking to understand
Self-Compassion - Being kind to yourself when things feel overwhelming
Neuroplasticity - Knowing your brain can be rewired and you're not stuck with old patterns
A Message of Hope
"It's not a doom and gloom thing. It's actually an exciting, wonderful thing to have humans whose brains are different," Justine shared. "When people are supported and understood and feel seen, they just flourish."
Find people like you. Support each other. There's no going back.
Watch the Full Conversation
Youtube video: https://youtu.be/3z5_xnpGzJI?si=SwvJorliVSvmy6yM
Listen to the full podcast episode: ADHDifference Podcast: https://adhdifference.nz/s2e13-neurodiversity-in-education-project-guest-justine-munro/
Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363518/episodes/18142147
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/20GpSUfeVgblWbBk2H9VMF?si=4defd5d87f8e4459
and an array of other podcast platforms including iHeartRadio, Amazon Music and Audible!
Get Involved
Explore our programmes and access free resources at neurodiversity.org.nz
Because every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated for their unique brain.
