Origins..
We are a neurodivergent Family.
From our own lived experience we know that with the right support and understanding, remarkable things are possible.
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By providing neuro-affirming training and sharing our experiences we hope to empower neurodiverse families and individuals to thrive.
Who are the HodgePodge?
Mary van der Merwe
Mary is the owner and founder of NeuroHodgePodge.
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She has substantial experience working in the charity sector providing specialist training to parents and professionals in the areas of the autistic experience and other neurodivergence. She supports families to navigate daily life using a practical, honest, and compassionate approach.
As a trainer and facilitator with the NHS England-funded, National Autism Trainer Programme (NATP), Mary has supported mental health professionals in their journey towards neuro-affirming care of autistic children and adults.
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​Mary is autistic, a mum to 2 neurodivergent teens and a wife to her neurodivergent husband. It can be messy and confusing, but it can also be wonderful and remarkable with the right support and understanding.
Mary has lots of personal experience, insights, and empathy to share with others.
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Mary also Loves Dragons!
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Joe van der Merwe
Mary's autistic and ADHD husband.
He has been an IT professional for 27 years during which time he has been in both technical and management roles.
As he has discovered more about his neurodivergent self through Mary's experience and support he has gained a new understanding of how to lean into his strengths and communicate more effectively.
This has led to great success in his most recent foray into management where he has progressed to Director of a global IT organisation.
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Joe has a passion for cricket and creating cosplay costumes and armour.
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Ariana
Ariana is 16 and has been diagnosed autistic for 10 years.
Ari likes to read - she has over 800 books in her bedroom, most of which she has read more than once.
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She has an interest in a wide variety of school subjects including English , The Sciences, Biology, Latin, French, History and Psychology and she excels at all of them - choices for A-level have been a challenge.
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She is also currently writing a trilogy of novels.
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Sebastian
Seb is 12 and is likely ADHD and autistic like his Father and Mother. He is however not diagnosed at this time.
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He has just started secondary school and is thriving in Maths, Science, Spanish and English.
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His special interest is Lego. He is a true Master Builder who immerses himself in his Lego room for hours. He has been building advanced and adult Lego sets since he was 6 and has moved onto creating his own complex designs.
Taffy - Yorkshire Terrier
Taffy is our Yorkshire Terrier.
He is 6 years old and weighs just 2 kilograms...
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If ever there was an Autistic Dog this is him. He will bark if you add a new object to a familiar room - or just at anything blue!
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He fits right in...
