We get you!
Being a young person who is super bright and wired-differently from their peers can be a rollercoaster ride. And it’s a rollercoaster for their parents and caregivers too. We’ve been on this kind of a journey before. We want you to have what we wish we could have had. We want you to have more of the ups, and fewer of downs. And we want to ensure it’s not just those with luck and privilege that get to reach their potential, but all those who are brilliant and neurodivergent.
Have you ever…..
-
Had it suggested to you that your child could be 'on the spectrum'?
Teens who are autistic, or are suspected to be, will belong at The Hyphen Project. Autism is just one of the neurodivergences that we celebrate, along with its friends giftedness, ADHD and learning difficulties.
-
Felt that others think your child is unmotivated or lazy?
Our neurodivergent young people have to work hard to participate in an environment that is designed for neurotypical people. They’re not unmotivated or lazy. They’re exhausted. Motivation comes with the right supports and meaningful goals.
-
Been left speechless by the originality of your child's mind?
Giftedness can often take the shape of a striking insight in a conversation, a thoughtful question that you just don’t have the answer for or a brilliant idea. Minds like this need lots of brain food and to be surrounded by people that will challenge them. We offer that at The Hyphen Project.
-
Watched your child suffer?
It is common for gifted and neurodivergent young people to experience bullying, isolation, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, low self-esteem, disordered eating and pain conditions. Some of this can be avoided if they’re getting more of the support they need and are able to spend more time with people that get them.
-
Felt that school hasn't recognised the true extent of your child's awesome?
If you’ve seen your child dedicate a huge amount of time to a project they’ve initiated on their own, or research to find out everything about a topic that doesn’t fit into a subject at school, you know they’re an incredible learner even if their school doesn’t. At The Hyphen Project, this is not showing off. We want our young people’s awesome to shine bright.
-
Been lost trying to find a way for your child?
Having both incredible strengths and disabilities at the same time is confusing. And it’s hard to find options that fit just right. At The Hyphen Project we can untangle and make sense of the complexity. And we can give your child the language and tools they need to be able to explain their reality and advocate for themselves to others.