Navigating Neurodiversity Together

Turning Overwhelm into Understanding to Empower Neurodiverse Children and Their Families.

Parenting a neurodiverse child comes with unique challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.

Whether it’s managing big emotions, tackling school frustrations, or building self-esteem, our tailored Neurodiversity Navigator sessions provide the clarity, strategies, and support your family needs

We specialise in helping children with ADHD, Autism and wider neurodivergent conditions build emotional resilience, confidence, and the skills they need to thrive. Our expert psychologist is here to guide your family toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

Thinking Differently. Acting Differently.

This isn’t just another appointment. 

It’s a focused, solution-driven consultation designed to address your biggest concerns as a parent and give you actionable insights that create immediate relief and long-term progress.

We understand what it feels like to:

  • Question whether your child’s behaviour is linked to ADHD, Autism, or something else.

  • Struggle with emotional meltdowns, outbursts and wonder how to help them regulate their feelings.

  • Feel stuck trying to explain your child’s needs to teachers or family members who don’t “get it.”

  • Want to do everything possible to help your child but feel lost and unsure where to start.

  • Be continually frustrated when it feels none of the ‘theory’ works…and things aren’t getting any better at home

  • Experience the guilt of a child (or ourselves) asking, “what’s wrong with me?”

Our ‘Neurodiversity Navigator’ consultations are here to change that.

What You’ll Gain

Understand Your Child’s Behaviours

  • Gain a deeper understanding of whether your child’s challenges stem from ADHD, Autism, or other factors, helping you move past uncertainty and self-doubt.

  • Learn how to distinguish between neurodiverse traits and typical developmental behaviors, so you can respond effectively instead of second-guessing your instincts

Manage Emotional Regulation

  • Receive specific techniques to help your child handle big emotions, such as anger, frustration, or anxiety, so you can avoid or de-escalate meltdowns.

  • Learn strategies to teach your child self-regulation skills, building their resilience and independence over time.

Address School Challenges

  • Get actionable advice on how to work collaboratively with teachers to create an environment where your child can thrive, even if they "look fine" academically.

  • Learn how to advocate for your child’s needs without feeling like you’re making excuses or facing resistance from educators.

Transform Daily Routines

  • Develop routines that align with your child’s neurodiverse needs, reducing stress for both of you during common trigger points like mornings, homework, or bedtime.

  • Learn ways to set boundaries and create a structure that helps your child feel secure while giving you space to recharge.

Improve Self-Esteem

  • Discover ways to build your child’s confidence and counteract feelings of negativity or self-doubt, helping them see their strengths and unique abilities.

  • Learn to celebrate progress, no matter how small, to create a positive, growth-focused environment for your child.

Strengthen Family Connections

  • Tailor your parenting approach to your child’s specific needs, reducing conflict and fostering a closer, more supportive relationship.

  • Get strategies for engaging siblings and extended family members, so everyone feels included and supported in your child’s journey.

Peace of Mind

  • Get reassurance that you’re on the right path with child’s development, or receive expert recommendations to fine-tune your approach where needed

  • Discover your child’s unique abilities and how to nurture them in ways that build their confidence and help them thrive both academically and socially.

Confidence to Make Decisions

  • Get expert advice on the next steps for your child, whether that’s seeking further assessments, making school accommodations, or adjusting routines at home.

  • Feel equipped to navigate tricky conversations with teachers, caregivers, or family members about your child’s needs without feeling judged or misunderstood.

Immediate Action

  • Leave the session with a clear, actionable plan to support your child’s growth and wellbeing.

  • Address your top concerns in just one hour, giving you immediate steps to make a difference.

  • Walk away with tools and resources you can implement right away to see positive change.

  • Start seeing the path forward to a happier, more connected family life.

“After just one session, we finally felt like someone understood our family. Nadia the psychologist helped us see what was really going on with our son and gave us strategies that actually work. For the first time in years, we have hope.”

— Eva, Parent of 10-year old with ADHD

Who Is This For?

The Neurodiversity Navigator consultation is perfect for parents and caregivers who:

  • Have children diagnosed or suspected to have ADHD, Autism or wider neurodiverse conditions.

  • Struggle with emotional regulation, meltdowns, or anxiety in their child.

  • Feel uncertain about their child’s behaviour and how to best support them.

  • Are tired of feeling confused, overwhelmed, unsupported or forgotten by other bodies or services.

  • Need practical, bespoke advice for their child’s unique needs, not vague or one-size-fits-all solutions.

  • Often feel unequipped to handle real-life challenges like meltdowns, emotional regulation, and school struggles.

  • Want practical strategies and expert guidance tailored to their family’s unique needs.

Fees & What’s Included

Your 60-minute Neurodiversity Navigator Session includes:

  • A private, personalised consultation for parents & caregivers with the Bay Paediatrics child psychologist, Nadia du Plessis.

  • A deep dive into your child’s behaviours, challenges, and strengths.

  • A clear, actionable plan with immediate next steps.

  • Expert answers to your most pressing questions.

Fees

The Neurodiversity Navigator is $270 + GST.

Want Bay Paediatrics in your corner on an ongoing basis? We can arrange regular Neurodiversity Navigator sessions for your family.

Click here to book your consultation

Please note, Neurodiversity Navigator consultations are usually delivered in person in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. We can potentially deliver consultations online via Zoom, so if you wish to explore online consultations please mention this on your application form.

Your Neurodiversity Navigator

Nadia du Plessis

BSocSci (Psychology); PGCE, BEd Hons; MEd Child & Educational Psychology 

Nadia du Plessis is an Educational Psychologist with a distinguished career dedicated to supporting children with diverse needs.

With a compassionate approach and a deep understanding of neurodiversity, Nadia has been a steadfast advocate for children, helping them unlock their potential and empowering families and communities to better support their needs. Her work emphasizes the importance of inclusion, understanding, and celebrating the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.

Nadia has extensive experience working within the Ministry of Education, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and her private practice. Now based in the Bay of Plenty, she is passionate about supporting the neurodiverse community, including both children and their families.

Nadia enjoys teaching, running parent training seminars, and helping parents connect with and understand their children. She believes that parents can better support their neurodivergent children by understanding how their minds work and how the neurodivergent brain processes the world.

Click Below to listen to Nadia’s expert insights on the Bay Paediatrics EPIC Families Podcast, where she delivers a masterclass in how to help your child overcome anxiety and emotional challenges.

EPIC Families Episode 8: “The Resilience Ladder” with Nadia du Plessis

"This session gave us clarity and a clear direction. We no longer feel stuck or overwhelmed. I only wish we had done it sooner!"

— James, Parent of a 12-Year-Old with Autism

Ready To Take The First Step? 

Your child’s future starts here.

Don’t wait for things to get harder—schedule your 60-minute Neurodiversity Navigator session today and gain the tools, clarity, and confidence you need to help your family thrive.

Click the button below to complete the application form and we’ll be in touch to finalise your appointment.

 FAQs

  • Absolutely. Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you’re simply concerned about their behaviour, our psychologist will provide insights and guidance tailored to your situation.

  • No, you don’t need a referral from your GP, you can book your appointment directly with us.

  • We recommend that Neurodiversity Navigator consultations are for parents and caregivers only.

    This is to give you the time and space to speak openly about what’s happening for your child, and to allow everyone to focus 100% on creating strategies to help your family.

  • We offer ADHD and Autism assessments at Bay Paediatrics. Click here to discover more and book. However, when parents are unsure about what action to take, or don’t know whether an ADHD or Autism assessment is the right course of action, then a Neurodiversity Navigator session is the perfect first step.

    Our expert psychologist, Nadia du Plessis, can give you immediate strategies to help at home and also advise and recommend the right pathway for your child.

  • Yes. You can book an appointment with us immediately and you don’t need to have visited Bay Paediatrics in the past.

  • You’ll leave with a clear action plan and the option to book follow-up sessions or assessment appointments if needed. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

  • Yes, our psychologist is experienced in working with children and teens of all ages, tailoring strategies to their developmental stage.

    Please note that Neurodiversity Navigator sessions are typically for parents & caregivers, so there is no need to bring your child or adolescent to the appointment.

  • Generally, we recommend that Neurodiversity Navigator sessions take place in person at Nadia’s clinic in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.

    In special circumstances, Nadia can deliver online consultations via Zoom. Please state your preference for this when you book a consultation.

Listen Up..

Join Nadia and the Bay Paediatrics team with the EPIC Families Podcast & Community.

We’re giving families strength in neurodiversity by bringing you support and guidance from world-class experts.

Click below to listen, join and discover how to think differently about neurodiversity