Neurodiversity Q&A: Real Talk, Real Strategies

This relaxed and interactive session is all about supporting neurodiverse tamariki — and the parents and caregivers who love them.

Whether you joined our earlier webinar (Thriving with Neurodiversity) or not, you’re warmly welcome. This is your chance to ask questions, hear from others on a similar journey, and walk away with practical strategies and encouragement.

Join Anna Mowat and Morwenna Bates-Thornton as they share answers to the most common questions they’re asked in their work with families, and open the floor to your own. No question is too big, too small, or too specific — bring what’s on your mind.

You’ll leave with:

• Real-life strategies for supporting your neurodiverse child

• Ideas for advocating with confidence

• Insight into common challenges — and what can help

• A sense of connection, reassurance, and support

This online session creates a space for encouragement, insight, and real, useful ideas. Our goal is for you to leave feeling empowered and supported!

Perfect for:

Parents and caregivers of neurodiverse children — whether you’re just starting out or have been on this journey for a while. You do not need to have attended the first session to come along.

Presented by:

Anna Mowat is the director of Real Parents. She has a background in psychology and has a passion for children's wellbeing. Anna has worked across the child wellbeing space for over 15 years supporting parents, teachers, and children. Some of her work includes being the child and family advisor for the post-Christchurch earthquake All Right? campaign, project leading Sparklers for over 7 years, a trainer for the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience - NZIWR, a writer for Manahau, a parent coach, and a facilitator of the Incredible Years and Incredible Years Autism parenting programmes.

Morwenna Bates-Thornton is an experienced early childhood educator with a deep passion for neurodiversity. Her interest has grown as a māmā to three neurodivergent tamariki, and the need to explore and advocate for inclusive approaches. Morwenna is also a facilitator of the Incredible Years parenting programme, supporting whānau on their parenting journey.

Selwyn Parenting Network

We're delivering this session in collaboration with the amazing team at Selwyn Parenting Network as an extension to the 2025 Selwyn Parenting Week.