What’s the Buzz

22/08/2026

The NEW FACE of NEURODIVERSITY (Autism, PDA, ADHD) in the community and in schools; a revolution in the way we think about and respond to people under the neurodivergent umbrella.

Everything around neurodivergence is changing rapidly. New neuro-affirming attitudes are transforming our thinking, language, interventions, and supports.

We now recognise that differences in emotion and behaviour in Autistic individuals, ADHDers, and those with learning disabilities or trauma stem from distinct brain structures and functions. A neurodivergent brain is built and wired differently than a neurotypical one. It processes the world through a stunning, permanent variation of the human experience, and this demands deep respect.

As educators, you are navigating this rapidly evolving space. This workshop explores the shift from traditional deficit-based models to new neuro-affirming ethics, including the revolutionary concept of the "double empathy problem" and what “double empathy solutions” mean to neurodivergents and the wider community. Together, we will shake off old biases, move away from trying to "fix" or mask children through endless therapies, and adopt a true strength-based perspective.

Workshop Themes
• The rise in identifications: Why more children are being identified (and why it is not an "epidemic").
• Policy shifts: The Federal Government's National Autism Strategy and why it matters.
• The Autism spectrum and neurotypes: Unpacking what a neurotype actually means and the true definition of the "spectrum".
• Language evolution: Why we say "Autistic" and never "ASD".
• Symbols and myths: The shift from puzzle pieces to the rainbow infinity symbol, plus exposing common misconceptions.
• Flipping the narrative: Shifting "Pathological Demand Avoidance" to "Persistent Drive for Autonomy".
• The double empathy problem: Understanding this concept and how its solutions change everything.
• Masking and success: Redefining what success looks like for neurodivergent children.
• Resources and stories: Exploring the NeuroWild resource, top films embracing neurodiversity, fast autism facts, and Emily Pearl Kingsley’s "Welcome to Holland".
• Personal insights: Shared reflections on family experiences and the real challenges of raising a neurodivergent child.

Through case studies, storytelling, research, and open conversation, this session aims to reach you personally. You will leave encouraged, equipped, and deeply aware of the unfair barriers our young people face.

We will conclude with two lasting thoughts: our neurodivergent kids are not broken and do not need to be fixed—they simply walk to the beat of a different drum. They will grow into adults with that same unique neurotype. Let’s cultivate the absolute acceptance they need to grow into their uniqueness with pride.

22/08/2026

Our ‘What’s the Buzz?’ Training Day came and went on Friday. It was joyful; 25 dedicated educators; friendly, engaging, fun and hungry to use this SEL tool. Two things emerged. Firstly, more secondary educators are coming along to be trained. They can see the deep emotional value for their year 7 and 8 students helping them to adapt and find their place. The other comment was that many thought it was all about teaching the content. But, equally important, is the opportunity to bring kids together, hold a safe space where they can joke, laugh, lean in together, while they learn and feel connected and valued. You made my heart melt.

19/08/2026

'Behind the Screens' is my new PARENT WORKSHOP supporting parents to cleverly teach their kids how the internet works, and develop healthy habits when online and using tech devices. Here's an excerpt ...

"Before we go any further, I must raise the concept of ‘Online Susceptibility’. This is a child's likelihood to believe and act on digital content. Their ‘Online Susceptibility’ is based on personality, vulnerabilities, friendship influences, their trust in you, and where they are developmentally.

All children do not engage with the internet in the same way!

Some will struggle to separate reality from digital glamour. Others will interpret what’s online quite literally. A few will be sucked into online subcultures. Others are more likely to react to dares, trends, opinions or ads.

Only you can truly evaluate each of your children’s level of online vulnerability. This must be our starting point.

18/08/2026

Our What’s the Buzz? Training Day is THIS WEEK!!!
We love the opportunity to share our passion with all of our wonderful attendees!

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

'What's the Buzz?' Training Day is Friday. We have 22 so have places for 3 more. Come along to master or re-master this world-class, neuro-affirming social literacy program.

Whether you are new, or a past participant needing an update, this day is for you! The program constantly evolves. We'd love to help you refresh your approach, dive into updated resources, and ensure your delivery aligns perfectly with current neuro-affirming principles.

To register - https://whatsthebuzz.net.au/main-menu/whats-the-buzz-training-day-with-mark-and-noni

18/08/2026

Wed. 26th Aug. 10am Fullarton Park Community Centre Parent Workshop = "Building emotional resilience"

This workshop presents a collection of PRACTICAL resilience building ideas. I call them the 10-C's and you’ll adore them. They provide a guide for parents, caregivers, and educators to become the best resilience coach for children.

Here’s the thing: isn't it curious that our children's resilience hinges on our knowledge, our own resilience, and how we model it over the first 20 years of their lives? They are dependent on us knowing how to invest and assist.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/building-emotional-resilience-discussion-tickets-1977480773225

18/08/2026

Golden Grove Lutheran School, Thurs 3rd Sept, at 7pm: ‘The intriguing 'ART' of managing tricky behaviours kindly and effectively.’

This workshop dives into the real-world skills that help our kids move in the right direction during those tricky moments. This is true GENTLE PARENTING in action!

Why is this workshop so vital?

Because sometimes, when the pressure is on, we forget to use the array of subtle, effective techniques. Instead, it’s easy to jump straight into: tell-offs, threats, anger, or punishment.

We want to change that narrative! As a token of my appreciation for braving the cold and wet weather, I’ll make sure each of you go home with a free book – PARENTING TOUGH KIDS – you can take one for a friend too!

18/08/2026

My new workshop: NEURODIVERGENCE (Autism Focused) "How do we accept neurodiversity and support our students to chase excellence as the very best they can do, while still maintaining our standards?"

Here’s an excerpt …

I want to make a point about the SIZE or MAGNITUDE of this topic.
Where are the neurodivergents? Who are they? How many? Where do they live, work and play? How are they connected to us? What do they look like?

Let’s find out by playing the … "Stand Up Game".
So, for this game, neurodivergence includes; Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and any mental health conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar, Tourette Syndrome, PTSD, Anxiety and more.

What you’re about to discover is that neurodivergence isn't only about "other people.”
It is an amazing, shared human experience!

So, let’s leap into the deep end.
Please stand up if you have a family member who is neurodivergent.

Please remain standing. Oh? If you are standing, and one of the following also applies to you, give me a shout out!

So, stand up if you work with a colleague who is neurodivergent.
Please remain standing.

Stand up if you have a friend who is neurodivergent.
Please remain standing.

Please stand up if you feel like your own brain is a little “neuro-spicey” at times.
Please remain standing.

Please stand up if you consider yourself a neuro-affirming thinker and practitioner.
Please remain standing.

Please stand up if you work directly with a student who is neurodivergent.
Please remain standing.

Finally, please stand up if you are neurodivergent – with or without formal identification?
Please remain standing.

Once everyone is standing, say …
Look around. Neurodiversity isn’t about “other people”.

It touches each of us in different ways. More than a few could have stood up several times over! Neurodivergence is a part of our families, friends, colleagues, and students.

We are all a part of this story.
Thank you. Please sit down.