Lauren Lindstrom Speaks at International Symposium on Fatherhood and Neurodiversity
The event aimed to empower fathers in their journey of supporting neurodiverse children
Professor Lauren Lindstrom recently
presented at the international symposium, “Reimagining Support
for Fathers of Children with Neurodiversity,” hosted by the
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Centre for Neurodiversity. Her
presentation addressed career transition pathways for
neurodiverse youth and provided tools that fathers can use to
help their children navigate the shift from education to
employment.
The symposium aimed to empower fathers in their journey of supporting neurodiverse children. By providing them with essential knowledge and a strong sense of community, fathers can strengthen their ability to advocate for their children at every life stage.
In his keynote address, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi touched on reframing masculinity, and acknowledged the unique challenges faced by fathers and the crucial role they play in their children’s lives. Quoting American author Harvey Blume, Mpedi noted that neurodiversity may be the birthplace of some of humanity’s greatest minds, and encouraged fathers to embrace compassion, gentleness and empathy in their roles.
Lindstrom is currently serving as
Distinguished Visiting Professor to the Department of Educational
Psychology at UJ. She helped coordinate the symposium and
assisted with developing a strategic plan for the Centre for
Neurodiversity while on sabbatical. Her current work at UJ is a
continuation of a multi-year collaboration with Professor Maximus
Sefotho, director of the UJ Centre of Neurodiversity. With
Sefotho, Lindstrom is focused on building capacity for families,
schools and communities to support and empower young people with
disabilities in the transition from school to inclusive
employment. Their new book “Career Transitioning for Youth with
Disabilities in Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa: Policies and
Best Practices” highlights parent and stakeholder experiences of
career transition, best practices in employment, entrepreneurship
and transition to higher education and legal and policy
issues that facilitate transition to meaningful careers.
“I’m very grateful to be able to collaborate with amazing faculty and graduate students at University of Johannesburg. Together we will support educators and families in raising awareness and creating opportunities for neurodiverse youth.”
Lindstrom is a Professor of Education and a faculty affiliate at the UC Davis MIND Institute. Her research interests include career and college readiness, family engagement, neurodiversity and transition services for youth with disabilities.
