Why we are needed

The challenge we’re tackling

School isn’t working for too many neurodivergent teens

  • 44% of autistic students experience bullying at school.

  • Giftedness is often overlooked, especially when combined with learning differences.

  • Many families turn to homeschooling, correspondence, or health school because mainstream classrooms don’t fit.

The stakes are high — but so is the potential

  • Autistic and ADHD young people are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and school dropout.

  • Dyslexia and ADHD make gaining qualifications and keeping employment more difficult.

  • Yet, with the right support, these same young people thrive — using their creativity, focus, and problem-solving in extraordinary ways.

Getting help is harder than it should be

  • A diagnosis in New Zealand can cost $700+ and take 6–12 months.

  • Most teachers receive little training on neurodiversity or giftedness.

  • Schools are stretched, making it hard to meet individual needs.

How we’re different

what is it that makes us able to do things that mainstream hasn’t been able to - for inspo for this you can use the info on the ‘Our solution’ page that is currently not connected to the website, as well as page 9 of our Strategic & Implementation plan. 

We’re not the only ones saying this…

  • The problems with New Zealand’s approach to dyslexia

  • What the Neurodiversity in Education Coalition has to say

  • The barriers to education in New Zealand for neurodivergent learners

  • The problems with New Zealand’s access to neurodivergent diagnoses and support

  • Expert concerns about New Zealand’s mainstream education system’s ability to provide for neurodivergent learners

That’s why The Hyphen Project exists: to change the story for brilliant, neurodivergent teens and their families.