Neurodiversity awareness – advocating from the frontline

Sidney Hoogendijk has come a long to find her perfect job. She’s been in her new role as Youth Mental Health Support worker in the Te Puna Manaaki (Student Wellness) team at WITT for a few weeks, describing it as a ‘dream come true’.

She moved to Napier from Canada in 2022 to be with her Kiwi partner, and to New Plymouth in October last year after a stint back home.

Sidney’s travelled a long way - not just in geographical distance. She endured childhood struggles – at school and socially - with autism and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) until formal diagnosis and university study shed light on her experiences. Ever since, she’s been inspired to support youth in the education sector, especially those navigating neurodiversity.

Being part of the World Autism Awareness Day events for WITT ākonga on April 2 was especially fitting, as she draws on her personal and professional experiences.

“Being diagnosed with autism was a pivotal moment for me but an empowering experience too,” Sidney says. “It helped me make sense of many experiences and behaviours I had growing up. As an adult, it’s allowed me to reflect on how I navigate the world, my social interactions and my emotional responses.”

“Understanding that my brain processes information differently has helped me to embrace my unique way of thinking and find strategies that support my mental health.”

This self-awareness has allowed her to emphasize deeply with ākonga who identify as autistic. “I understand firsthand the complexities of navigating a world that isn’t always designed with neurodiversity in mind. This gives me a unique perspective in my role – I’m able to connect with students on a deeper level, particularly when they’re facing challenges related to sensory overload, social anxieties or difficulty expressing themselves.”

Study path to self-awareness

Her childhood experiences - of feeling different and the pressure to mask her differences to fit in - prompted her to seek understanding through study. She’s gained a bachelor’s in psychology and two graduate certificates (one in mental health and addiction, and another in health and wellness coaching), and is a certified wellness coach. In New Zealand she completed a master’s in health science at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) while she was living in Napier.

Back home she worked in youth mental health and disabilities in a high school and as a resource specialist in Canada’s largest provider of online mental health support services, data and tools.

Her role at WITT involves providing emotional support to students - particularly those facing mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Exuding a bright, positive energy, she’s here to support students with diverse learning needs, including those who identify as ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and ADHD.

“Advocating for neurodiversity and creating inclusive learning environments has been the driving force behind my work,” Sidney says. “I’m passionate about creating a space where all students, especially those with neurodiverse needs, feel heard, valued and empowered and I’m committed to making a positive impact at WITT.”

She’s learned about the importance of self-advocacy too. “I’ve developed strategies that allow me to advocate for myself when needed, whether in social situations or when I need adjustments in my work environment. I pass these on to the students I support, encouraging them to recognize their needs and voice them confidently, whether that’s asking for sensory breaks, modifications in teaching, or accommodating for anxiety.”

By organising fun events at WITT – such as the April 2 awareness day – she and the Te Puna Manaaki team, in particular Accessibility Coordinator Wayne Samways,  are helping to break down barriers around autism across the campus.

“We had a silent quiz to test knowledge and learn more about autism, a trivia game where you could spin a wheel to answer questions and receive prizes! People were able to socialise, and I think we did a great job at raising awareness for autism.”

Caption: Sidney Hoogendijk is thrilled to be supporting neurodiverse WITT ākonga.