Kate and Jen share their journeys to neurodiversity awareness, navigating diagnosis complexities, and championing inclusivity.

In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week (which was last week) and Neurodiversity Awareness Month in April, I will dedicate the next few episodes to a cause that's near and dear to my heart. And when 15–20% of the population has a neurodiverse brain, chances are it could be a cause that's near and dear to your heart, too. 

What's neurodiversity, you ask? It's an umbrella term which encompasses all people whose brains work a little differently – common neurodiverse conditions include ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Disgraphia, Discalcula, and Tourette's to name a few. 

This week, I had the privilege of speaking with two incredible parents, Kate and Jen, who have taken neurodiversity awareness and acceptance to the next level by creating what I like to call an 'Out & Proud' parents support group at the International School of Luxembourg (ISL). The community has become so successful, they've now opened it up to any parent in Luxembourg regardless of where their kids attend school. 

Jen and Kate's respective journeys have been all about discovery, advocacy, and resilience, and they share invaluable insights that every parent who finds themselves in a similar situation should hear.Both Kate and Jen have unique Luxembourg stories.

Kate and her family moved from Northern Ireland during the pandemic, an already challenging transition that was compounded by the evolving neurodivergent needs of her children.

Jen, on the other hand, first moved to Luxembourg in 2005 with Amazon, then returned after several years in the US. Her journey into neurodiversity awareness began when her son's school recommended an evaluation, leading to an ADHD diagnosis.

For many parents, the road to diagnosis can be daunting, filled with uncertainty, long waitlists, and systemic barriers. Kate and Jen took different approaches – Jen pursued a diagnosis in the US, while Kate relied on local independent practitioners in Luxembourg. They discuss the importance of finding the right specialists, advocating for their children, and understanding the often overwhelming reports that come with neuropsychological evaluations.

One of the most powerful themes of our conversation was the evolution of perspective. Like many parents, both initially faced concerns about stigma and labeling. However, through research, support, and lived experience, they have come to view neurodivergence not as a deficit but as a difference – one that should be supported and celebrated.

As Jen puts it, "I made a decision early on that I did not want anyone to feel shame, and I didn't want my child to feel shame." This philosophy has fueled her advocacy and her commitment to normalizing neurodivergence in educational settings and beyond.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone looking to better understand the neurodiverse experience. Tune in to hear Kate and Jen's heartfelt and inspiring journey as they break down misconceptions, share practical advice, and create a more inclusive world for their children. 

Please give it a listen and let me know what you think. You can reach me on social media at momlifeinluxembourg. And if you’d like to learn more about Kate Brassington, please visit: https://katebrassington.com/