Hello Wentyl,

This week we were excited to release the second episode of Unpacked: A Neurodivergent Generation, focusing on schooling for kids who just don't fit in mainstream education.

What a delight and privilege it has been to chat with people like Rhinestone, a student at the neuro-affirming school Fitzroy North College in Melbourne.

I met Rhinestone on their 14th birthday, and was impressed and inspired.

When asked what they wanted to say to other neurodivergent young people, Rhinestone confidently replied with a message a lot of struggling kids need to hear: 

"Don't give up. Find a place that works for you. It seems tough right now, but it will get better. I promise you. I see you. I hear you. I feel you. I love you. You are loved."

Rhinestone, 14, with youth worker Grace Rokebrand at Fitzroy North College in Melbourne. Rhinestone loves attending the student-led school for neurodivergent teens, saying: "I haven’t had this kind of a social life, a place where I can fit in, since kindergarten."

The same generosity of spirit has imbued all the stories in this series ... from Mackenzie’s mother Edwina talking about her tears in the car to Shanntelle the homeschooling mum declaring that her children aren’t broken, the education system is.

Readers have also appreciated our list of Australia's top 100 schools for students with autism, ADHD and anxiety. In fact, so many readers have highlighted other schools doing amazing things to help neurodivergent students that we’ll release a bonus list in coming weeks.

You can read all the stories from the second week of our series below.

But I want to end with an email I received from someone who’s been reading our Unpacked stories. She wrote to us about a "battle behind closed doors" with her pre-teen daughter, who’s had behaviour and anxiety issues since she was three. While teachers thought she was a "model child", her behaviour at home was spiralling out of control. How many other families are also suffering like this?

"I battled in silence before I went with my gut," this mum said. Her daughter has now been diagnosed with autism and ADHD and her family is starting to prepare her for high school. 

"I had been worried about the stigma of a diagnosis and spent years in psychology sessions before realising I needed more clarity. I have spent a lot of time watching and reading the stories you have been running this month. There is no one-fits-all solution but I appreciate the sharing of knowledge."

We appreciate all your emails and suggestions on this and many other issues. Keep them coming! You can always contact us at education@news.com.au

Cheers, and have a great weekend.