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.