ANNUAL ONLINE CONFERENCE 2024
virtual event
Navigating Neurodiversity
Navigating neurodiversity involves embracing the unique strengths and challenges of individuals who are neurodiverse. It requires understanding that there is a broad spectrum of abilities and needs within the neurodiverse community and adapting support strategies accordingly. It's about recognising and celebrating the diversity of neurological differences, promoting acceptance, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Navigating Neurodiversity is dedicated to delving deep into the multifaceted aspects of neurodivergence, building on the success of our past events, and offering expanded content and a truly exceptional line-up of speakers.
Saturday 30 November | 09h00 - 16h30
From Awareness to Understanding: PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
DID YOU KNOW – If you’re unable to attend on the day, you can still book to receive the complete conference package. This includes recorded presentations (available until the end of January) and all additional resources. CPD points will also be awarded, pending final approval.
FULL-DAY SESSION | R1950
Tickets are available through QUICKET.
Group Bookings – Discounts are offered on group bookings (5 or more).
Discount Special (50% off) – A special discount code is available for Oakley House Parents and Oakley House ICs.
Please contact Zuzana at the Oakley House Training & Support Centre for group bookings and/or the discount code.
Tigger Pritchard (UK)
Tigger Pritchard is awesomely Neurodivergent and deeply passionate about enabling greater Neuro Inclusion and Neuroaffirming practices. Dedicated to building understanding and bridging the Neurodivide, Tigger aims to create a more inclusive society for all. As a keynote speaker, conference presenter, trainer, and consultant, Tigger collaborates with corporate organisations, educational settings, workplaces, care providers, and social organisations worldwide. In addition to these roles, Tigger offers consultancy and support to Neurodivergent individuals (Autistic/PDA/ADHD) and their families.
learn moreWe are excited about our line-up for this full-day session.
Please note that because of our commitment to being supportive and understanding, one or two of the presentations will be pre-recorded rather than delivered live. This approach allows us to honour the needs of our neurodivergent presenters while still providing high-quality content.
Gina Gush (SA)
Gina Gush, an experienced occupational therapist and self-identified autistic individual, is a mother to two neurodivergent children and the wife of Pete, who was late diagnosed with ADHD. With her family navigating autism, PDA, ADHD, dyspraxia, ARFID, and school trauma, Gina draws on both her personal and professional experiences to support neurodivergent families. After 20 years in the UK, she returned to South Africa in 2022, founding Tribe Around the Table, a neuro-affirming space that offers support groups, consultations, and training. Gina is passionate about equipping families to thrive through connection, empowerment, and education.
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Suzan Issa (UK)
Suzan Issa is a UK-based educator and neurodiversity advocate, diagnosed at 40 with Autism, PDA, and ADHD. Her personal journey through education took an unconventional path when she left school at 11 due to frustration and exhaustion, later becoming self-taught. Despite these early challenges, Suzan went on to become a teacher, specialist headteacher, and a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), though she often felt out of place in traditional systems. Now, she works alongside families, helping them understand their child’s neurotype and create supportive, harmonious home environments. Suzan is passionate about fostering authentic connections and empowering neurodiverse families to thrive.
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Rosalind Walker (UK)
Rosalind is a highly experienced educator with over 20 years in secondary education, specializing in supporting young people with additional and complex needs. She has pioneered innovative strategies to enhance communication, emotional regulation, and relationship-building skills in students. Currently, as the Strategy and Visionary Lead at The Wildheart Foundation, Rosalind oversees mentoring and tutoring services that help young people reengage with their education. She also delivers national training for social workers and local authorities, equipping them to support students facing educational challenges. Rosalind is passionate about guiding families toward emotional well-being and fostering environments where everyone can thrive.
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Nicola Reekie (UK)
Bonus speaker, prerecorded and added to the conference packs!
Nicola Reekie is passionate about supporting parents and families in understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and creating a calmer home environment. Through workshops, webinars, coaching, and therapeutic support, Nicola equips parents with the tools they need on their parenting journey. She is also the founder of the PDA Parenting Space, a community for parents, carers, and professionals to share experiences and strategies. Nicola's work extends to raising awareness of PDA among health professionals to improve understanding and diagnosis, and she proudly hosts The World's Largest Free PDA Summit, bringing together experts and families worldwide.
learn morePlease note that the following times are South African Standard Time (SAST) GMT +2. Please check your time equivalent if you are joining us from another country. We do not want you to miss out on the day!
Saturday 30 November | 09h00 - 16h30
From Awareness to Acceptance: PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
FULL-DAY SESSION | R1950
The conference fee includes the conference pack with take-aways and session goodies/resources that are downloadable. Recordings of all presentations will be made available for viewing online for a limited time ... just in case you had to step out or missed something on the day.
Please note that your booking is only finalised once conference fees have been paid and reflect in our account.
Discounts are offered on group bookings (5 or more), please contact Zuzana at the Oakley House Training & Support Centre for further details.
Terms & conditions apply.
Sonja Engelbrecht
TRAINING COORDINATOR AND PRESENTER
Sonja started her career in education in 2007, teaching at a government school for 2 years. She then followed her interest in Learning Support and Inclusive Education and worked as a teacher at a Private Remedial TSSA School for 6 years of which the last three years were spent running a department.
In 2015 Sonja was appointed as the Principal of an ISASA registered Remedial School, specializing in Neuro-Development, Learner Support and Remediation of neurodiverse learners. Sonja is passionate about brain-based learning, thinking skills, and really teaching to learners' needs.
Her continuous mission is to equip teachers across South Africa with the essential skills and knowledge, through continuous professional development, to allow for optimal learning opportunities for all learners in their care.
