north east regional extra | December 4 - 10, 2024
nemedia.com.au
1.
December 4 - 10, 2024
Not naughty or bad, just different By JORDAN DUURSMA
LOCAL author, Suzie Quartermain, has published two children’s storybooks focusing on neurodiversity. The storybooks are aimed at children, as an inclusive option for children to identify with or help them understand how people are different, and also as a resource for parents, carers and educators. Suzie has been writing poems and stories for years and after her experiences as a mother and teacher she decided to write ‘When Louie Listened’ and ‘When Daisy Daydreamed’. Suzie said as a teacher for 28 years, she has watched the rise of challenging behaviours and varying degrees of diagnoses in children. “It has been a steep learning curve and has taught me understanding, patience and skills in inclusivity in the classroom,” she said. ‘When Louie Listened’ was written about a little boy she taught in prep who constantly moved and made noises during teacher instruction. “I initially thought he was being “naughty” but soon realised he needed to move in order to listen and learn,” Suzie said. “He was quite an incredible boy.” ‘When Daisy Daydreamed’ is based on a little girl she taught and her own daughter who was diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD at 18. “Her diagnosis explained so much and helped her understand herself which is just so important,” Suzie said.
◆ INCLUSIVE EDUCATOR: Suzie Quartermain’s experiences as a mother and teacher have prompted her to publish story books exploring neurodiversity. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
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