Please help us support Neurodiversity! ❤️

Hello. My name is Zoe and my husband Mark and I recently set up a Not For Profit called Fraggle Farm INC. We live in Mandurah in WA and are parents to two Neurodiverse children and for the past 16 years have learnt the importance of such a role. The rollercoaster ride of being in a society predominantly set up for the average family, navigating the challenges of offering your child as many experiences as possible, but all the while accepting the limitations and very often unavoidable exclusions, due to events and places being too overwhelming or too structured and ill equipped to support a family dealing with the consequences of the environment. We have dealt with the challenges of Education, mainstream, Ed support, special needs and homeschooling. We've navigated social groups and tricky friendship dynamics. We also understand the importance of a secure network of people that can help you when your unique family feels overwhelming and isolated.

For the last few years we have pieced together a vision of what families like ours should have access to and it looks like this...

A holistic campus incorporating an alternative learning community centre offering homeschooling support to school aged children during school hours and social groups and life skills development to Neurodiverse adults. After school care and social groups to Neurodiverse children. Day camp programmes during school holidays. Offering activities such as cooking, arts and crafts, animal care, sports, gardening and social development. All staffed with experienced people that want to focus on the continued development and support of Neurodiverse children and Adults.

An all inclusive on site cafe and sensory park offering work experience and job opportunities to Neurodivergent individuals. We see this as a way of bridging the gap between the Neurodiverse and Neurotypical families. Sensory play is so important for the continued development of all children, and having an environment that is sensitive to the sensory overwhelm of some and run by staff supportive and understanding of the individual needs of the Neurodiverse. We want to create a place where families don't feel the pressure to conform or leave the environment, but are able to seek help and reassurance when a family member or themselves are struggling.

We would like to create all inclusive gatherings like the many on offer for Neurotypical families like movie nights, birthday parties and seasonal events.

We would also like to offer access to free counselling sessions to Neurodivergent individuals and their family members. We feel very strongly that easier access is needed, and that the parents of children diagnosed get forgotten. When a child is diagnosed the whole family is effected in some way or another and each has their own way of processing what can very often be life changing for all. Processing and receiving support is paramount for a parents mental health and their ability to help their child.

We know our vision is big, and will very likely take a while to develop and we will have to start with a smaller version. We also know after multiple meetings with shires that our concept is positively received. However when meeting with financial institutions for support they like to see you prove your concept for some time to be sure that the community needs it. A somewhat paradox as to create entities such as these you need start up funds, once established it should be self sustainable and therefore not needing their financial input, unless of course the desire is to expand, so perhaps in time we can knock at their door again. For now however we are reliant on our own financial backing, which we are fortunate enough to be able to do to a point, but we are coming to the wider community to seek help in our endeavours to get this much needed concept off the ground.

We are looking for funds to create a natural sensory park, a cafe renovation, equipment and supplies for the Alternative learning community centre, and a specially designed sensory room. Any help during what is a very tricky financial time for many will be greatly appreciated.