top of page
Neurodiversity, Hauora and Ako
Neurodiversity has been increasingly noticed and discussed in workplaces and educational settings. Within the early childhood education environment, sensitivities, and uncertainties around neurodivergent conditions sometimes make it challenging for kaiako to find ways to be welcoming. This interactive workshop will generate thoughts and kōrero around our practice of working with neurodiverse tamariki and their whānau. In three parts, the workshop will also address: A) The language and lens we use, B) planning ideas that can lead to ako, and C) challenges that autistic tamaiti may face in transitioning from the sensory world to the real-life world.
Presented by:
Tahera Afrin & Kym Perez
Click my photo for more information about me!
Tahera Afrin (pictured) is a Senior Lecturer working for the Unitec Early Childhood Education (ECE) teaching team. She has 17 years of experience as a teacher educator in ECE in Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been active in research throughout this teaching period. Her researcher self sees research as the means of connecting to her teaching. Most of her queries therefore are on Initial Teacher Education (ITE) curriculum, higher education, tertiary teaching, moderation, reflective practice, and adult learners.
A lecturer at Unitec and part time Specialist Teacher for Outreach Services (STOS) at Oaklynn
Special School. Kym has been working in Special Education for 13 years and is passionate about
informing Teachers’ in training and shifting the perceptions of current teachers of tamariki takiwātanga and neuro-atypical students who are struggling in both ECE and school settings. A mother of a son with a rare diagnosis which impacted her whānau, Kym is keen to contribute her expertise to empower neuro-atypical children and their community.
bottom of page