New group for neurodivergent families

A NEW Facebook group launched last this month aiming to provide a supportive and informative space for neurodiverse families in the region.

Bannockburn’s Kristina Sproal was inspired to start the group called Neurodiverse Families – Golden Plains Shire following her son Tyler being diagnosed with ADHD in September.

“We’ve been navigating his extra needs for the past 12 months,” she said. “His diagnosis and journey actually led to my own adult diagnosis of ADHD.

“He’s starting prep this year and there’s more importance on that structure and routine. It’s made me want to connect with other parents and families going through the same.

“I have a great group of mum friends but they don’t have children with neurodiversity or extra needs. Sometimes you just want to talk to someone who gets it and is experiencing the same thing.”

The group grew to about 70 members within two weeks which Ms Sproal said has exceeded her expectations.

“I didn’t think I’d get many people joining but it’s obviously something a lot of other parents have felt was needed,” she said.

“I know we’ve got some other members from Inverleigh and Teesdale so I want to try and reach out to families in the Shire’s communities further afield.

“It’s functioned mainly as a support space so far and we’ve had parents express interest in arranging catchups together which is nice.

“I’d definitely like this to branch off to in-person catchups because having a child with extra needs or being neurodivergent yourself, it can be a little isolating. My vision is to really bring people together.”