Marlize Labuschagne-Educational Psychologist

At what point do we stop saying children are “too soft” ("back in MY day, we weren't so emotional...") or that they need to be more resilient… and start asking what support they actually need?

Children are not meant to carry distress alone, and resilience is not built through suffering. Distress and heavy emotions also don't go away when we tell them to "stop being dramatic" or "big boys don't cry".

Sometimes support means school programmes, community support, and access to mental healthcare. Sometimes it also means us, as the adults in their lives (parents, grandparents, teachers, aunts and uncles), doing our own therapy and healing work so we can better understand, regulate, repair, and support.

"According to statistics by DSK, in the last three months, 124 children attempted su***de and 37 children died by su***de."

Our children are telling us something. We need to start listening

Mental health crisis: child su***des prompt urgent call for community action in KZN According to statistics by DSK, in the last three months 124 children attempted su***de and 37 children died by su***de.

𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐯𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠

I’ve been reflecting on two terms that are often used interchangeably: 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 and 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠.

They’re closely connected, but they’re not quite the same thing (or, as we South Africans like to say, "𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒-𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡" 😁) and for me, understanding the distinction matters.

A neuroinclusive approach asks:
🩵 *What barriers exist, and how can we create environments that allow different neurotypes to participate, contribute, and belong?*

A neurodiversity affirming approach asks:
💜 *How do we understand, respect, and value different ways of thinking, communicating, sensing, relating, learning, and moving through the world?*

At The Neurodiversity Hive, we work from a 𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 perspective because we don’t view neurodivergence as something to overcome, reduce, or move closer to a neurotypical ideal.

Instead, we see neurodivergent experiences, identities, and ways of being as part of natural human diversity.

Does this mean dismissing distress, struggle, disability, or support needs? Absolutely not! It means understanding that challenges often emerge in the interaction between people and environments, and that support should increase access, agency, wellbeing, authenticity, and self-understanding, rather than asking people to mask or disconnect from themselves.

For me, neurodiversity affirming practice is an ongoing commitment to curiosity, collaboration, accommodation, and making space for people to define what thriving looks like for them.

The way we think about neurodivergence shapes the questions we ask, the goals we set, and the spaces we create. Our language matters.

I’m curious whether this distinction matches people’s lived experiences. Have you experienced spaces that were neuroinclusive but not neurodiversity affirming, or vice versa?

A valuable share from my colleague Sandra Crous Educational Psychologist . What looks like depression might not actually be depression. Burnout is a very real thing for neurodivergent people because it often takes SO MUCH effort to navigate a world that is not made for your wiring.

I’ve had two long days! Yesterday was a 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. workday, and today is looking pretty much the same (thank goodness for coffee breaks ☕).

When I climbed into the car to drive home from the office, I was delighted to find this little piece of magic hiding in the cup holder. Did I leave it there? Is it my husband’s? Did the energy fairies decide to spoil me? Who knows! But right now, I feel like I’m winning at life.

What are the small things that put a smile on your face after a long day?

Emile and I were in the same group when I completed my first Honours Degree (Learning Support) at the University of Pretoria. Emile is not only an example of resilience through challenges, but also a representative of, and a tireless advocate for the inclusion and support of autistic individuals.

As followers of my page, you will know that autism is very close to my heart, both because of my clients and people in my inner circle. Despite our inclusive constitution, they still face so many challenges.

Please take a moment to read this post and add your voice to this movement.

For years, I have carried a small blue book with me in my car everywhere I go.

To most people, it is just a book.

But to me, it became a weapon for inclusion.

Whenever people questioned autism, doubted our abilities, misunderstood our behaviours (Sammi's and mine), or asked why reasonable accommodation matters, I would open that little blue book and explain what it means to create a neuro-affirming society. I would explain why accessibility is not “special treatment,” but a human right.

As an autistic adult, and now representing South Africa on international disability platforms, including engagements connected to the Commonwealth and the United Nations, I have had the opportunity to hear discussions from countries such as Australia, New Zealand and other First World countries about something called a *National Autism Strategy*.

And honestly…

You cannot believe how advanced some of these discussions are.

These countries are discussing:
• Inclusive education
• Employment opportunities
• Mental health support
• Early intervention
• Adult autism services
• Support for non-speaking autistic individuals
• Independent living
• Sensory-friendly public spaces
• Accessibility policies
• Family support
• Research
• Training for teachers, police, and healthcare workers
• Neuro-affirming practices across society

Not because autistic people are “broken.”

But because autistic people deserve dignity, inclusion, support, and equal opportunities.

And then I ask myself…

What about us here in South Africa

What about the autistic child in a rural village with no access to diagnosis or support?

What about the autistic university student struggling silently?

What about autistic adults without employment opportunities?

What about families fighting every single day just to be heard?

What about non-speaking autistic people whose voices are still ignored?

I am no longer willing to wait.

Today, I am officially calling on South Africans to stand together and support the development of a National Autism Strategy for South Africa.

A strategy that is aligned with the UNCRPD.
A strategy that listens to autistic voices.
A strategy that creates accountability.
A strategy that ensures that NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND.

This is bigger than awareness.

This is about action.
This is about rights.
This is about humanity.

Please stand with us.
Please sign the petition.
Please help us push government to recognise the urgent need for a National Autism Strategy in South Africa.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCz5wNLFYSvf-dMN2L2jrFDFvOatZiWMVpij2tmSWkEW85Aw/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Because every autistic life has value.

We need to make a difference because autism rights cannot wait!












Good Things Guy Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Autism South Africa Action in Autism SADA - South African Disability Alliance United Nations National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities SABC News eNCAnews United Nations

Our practice is looking for an OT. Please contact Chantelle if you are interested.

*Occupational Therapist Position – Pretoria East*
Chantelle Snyman Occupational Therapists | Start: June 2026

*Role* :
Provide client-centred OT services across all ages, supporting sensory, emotional, and functional needs.

*Responsibilities* :
- Assess and deliver evidence-based therapy
- Collaborate with families and professionals
- Develop tailored therapy programs
- Maintain compassionate client relationships

*Requirements* :
- OT degree and professional registration
- English and Afrikaans proficiency
- Sensory Integration interest (SAISIC 1 & 2 preferred; mentorship provided)

*Apply* :
Send a CV and short motivation to [email protected]

This is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people with sensory processing challenges, neurodiversity, developmental differences, and related conditions.

The true test of emotional regulation isn’t adulthood.
It’s remembering your password on the third attempt.

Happy World Passport Day 🤭

Today's excitement: Attending the Autism Awareness and Acceptance 2026 Seminar online, and enjoying a poke bowl.

One minute, you are taking "first day of school" pictures, and the next, your teen needs to choose Grade 9 subjects. Suddenly, things feel very real...and it's a lot!

This is where a bit of guidance can make a lot of difference.

Instead of guessing (or going with what friends are choosing), this process helps them understand how they’re wired:
* What they are naturally good at
* What they enjoy
* What they value, and
* How they learn

Choosing subjects should not be about pressure or “perfect” choices. The focus should be on helping them make informed decisions, with a bit more confidence and a lot less stress.

📞 083 676 1462 (WhatsApp)
📧 [email protected]

It is always a privilege to work with schools and local communities. Today is Autism Awareness Day. You might also see it being called Autism Acceptance Day. But is that enough?

I tackle this question in today's blog post. Link in the comments.