Mockingbird

Imagine living in a world where you feel isolated; people don’t always understand you, it can be difficult to focus, and at times everything can seem overwhelming.

Living with neurodiversity can be a daily struggle. For teenager Sophia Mudgway, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it was affecting her schooling and socialising was difficult.   

“It seemed like there was no hope or light at the end of the tunnel,” says Sophia’s mother, Nicola.

Now, the 13-year-old is happier, more relaxed, and Nicola says she can truly see the real Sophia.

Sophia has come out of her shell thanks to Mockingbird; a programme that provides a safe and supportive social environment for neurodiverse children and youth who live with disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Tourette’s.

 “After we first started, Sophia’s words to me were ‘They don’t judge me here Mum’—it was such a relief,” says Nicola.

 “Having a child with ASD can be very alienating and lonely; you often feel judged because you aren’t disciplining or for some other reason. The families at Mockingbird get what we are going through; they have been where we are now, and that really helps me because they have obviously come a long way and that gives me hope everything is going to be ok. I am truly grateful to have been welcomed into the Mockingbird family.”

A Supportive Social Environment

Sophia is one of over 60 neurodiverse children and youth who attend Mockingbird.

Being mostly invisible disabilities, many of these youth struggle in the mainstream environment. Children are often home-schooled due to their specific learning and health requirements, and in turn, can experience social isolation and lack of confidence around other people.  

Mockingbird facilitates families coming together regularly, allowing children to interact and naturally build healthy relationships through activities like excursions, baking, art, technology, science and drama.

While families often come from a place where they have felt misunderstood, judged, and isolated, Mockingbird provides a safe and nurturing environment where they feel a sense of belonging, working alongside a behaviour consultant, who offers advice and support.

The individual growth and successes of the children is quite remarkable – from children who couldn’t set foot in a school environment, now confident and keen to attend on a part-time basis, to children who can now be taken into public settings without risk of triggers that cause significant anxiety attacks.  Most of the young people are showing levels of self-control, confidence and independence the families never expected possible.

Robyn McLeod, Operations Manager at Mockingbird, says that their safe, judgement-free environment allows children and youth to thrive by simply being themselves.

“There is no judgment at Mockingbird. Kids can meet other kids like them and learn they aren’t alone; they have a tribe. It is a home away from home where they can truly flourish.”

And it’s a valuable source of support for parents too.

“A lot of families when they first arrive are in survival mode. They are completely overwhelmed and just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. At Mockingbird they realise they are no longer on this journey alone; suddenly they’ve got people to bounce ideas off, no-one is judging their child’s behaviour, and they have the reassurance that everything is going to be ok. It allows a family to heal.”

Mockingbird’s Behaviour Consultant, Ross Barker, offers consultations with families, manages the social dynamics and is a listening ear when kids need someone to talk to. While Ross is warmly referred to as the grandfather in the Mockingbird family, three young adult mentors fill the gap as older brothers and sisters.

Whether helping with homework, taking the kids on outings, or offering advice with ongoing issues, the mentors provide support, encouragement and friendship to Mockingbird kids, who range in age from 5 to 18.