Children who are neurodivergent face more challenges in education, with many learning environments unable to fully support children who learn and behave in different ways across the neurodevelopmental spectrum. And as these children struggle to be included in schools, their mental health can also be affected. In conjunction with Autism Awareness Day in April, we shine a spotlight on 15-year-old Qaisya’s learning journey and speak to her father Shahrul Akmar about the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child.

‘Because Feelings Matter’ is a series that brings you the stories of people and their mental health issues. These stories aim to normalise conversations about mental health, and to show that it’s okay to struggle emotionally and psychologically, but more importantly, to reach out for help. This series is produced in collaboration with Thrive Well.

Image credit: Qaisya Shahrul