Frequently Asked Questions about our Services

Absolutely. Diagnosis can be helpful, but it’s not a requirement here. If you feel your child is struggling, or if your gut says something’s different, you deserve support. You don’t have to wait for a piece of paper to get help 

A neuro-affirming approach means we don’t try to “fix” kids to fit into a mould. Instead, we honour their differences, reduce stress, build safety, and work with their natural strengths — not against them. It’s about compassion, not compliance. 

 Yes! Sometimes the biggest first step is simply saying, “I don’t know where to start.” That’s okay. You’re not expected to have it all figured out — we can work that out together 

 You are not imagining things. Many neurodivergent kids mask at school, then fall apart at home — because that’s where they feel safest. If you’re seeing big feelings, meltdowns, or shutdowns at home, that’s a valid sign something deeper is going on. 

I offer space. Tools. Coaching. Clarity. Emotional backup. Peer support. Whether it’s helping you prepare for a school meeting, make a therapy plan, understand behaviour, or just feel like you’re not losing it, I’m here. 

 Yes! I collaborate with therapists, educators, and services to help families build stronger teams around their child. We can co-create resources, plans, or tools that work across settings. 

 Often yes — particularly if your child has self-managed under Capacity Building: Parent Training, Improved Daily Living, or Support Coordination. I can help you navigate this (because yes, the system can be a lot). 

 Yes. Please. You’re not just allowed to talk about your burnout — you need to. This space is for you too. You don’t have to be “resilient” every day. You’re allowed to fall apart. Let’s talk about it, together. 

Yes! Swings and Roundabouts runs small online parent groups, resource workshops, and one-on-one sessions designed to support, educate, and connect. It’s never just information — it’s community. 

Nope. Dads, step-parents, carers, grandparents, aunties, uncles, queer parents, solo foster carers — if you’re loving and supporting a neurodivergent child, you’re welcome here. 

Neurodivergence means a person’s brain works differently from what's considered “typical.” That difference might be in how they think, feel, move, process, communicate, or respond to the world around them.

This includes things like:

• Autism
• ADHD
• PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) 
• Sensory processing differences 
• Dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more
   

Neurodivergence is not a flaw or something to fix — it's a different way of being. At Swings and Roundabouts, we take a neuro-affirming approach. That means we focus on safety, connection, regulation, and celebrating difference — not trying to “normalise” children at the cost of their wellbeing. 

Let’s be real: the terminology can be a lot.

I used to panic about getting it wrong — is it neurodiverse, neurodivergent, differently wired, autistic person or person with autism…? It’s enough to make you second-guess even speaking. I was so scared of getting it wrong and accidently offending someone.

Here’s the gist:

• Neurodivergent is typically used to describe a person or group whose brain works differently from what’s considered “neurotypical.”
  Neurodiverse refers to a group made up of people with different kinds of brains — so technically, a room full of neurotypical and neurodivergent people is neurodiverse.
   

But here’s the truth: what matters most is your intent.

If you’re speaking from a place of curiosity, kindness, affirmation — you’re doing okay.

This is a place where we ditch the fear of saying the wrong thing.
We’re not here for perfection — we’re here for progress, honesty, and heart.
Let’s talk. Let’s ask. Let’s fumble and figure it out together.