Workshops

"My wife attended a Mockingbird workshop a few months ago and highly recommended it so I was excited to go along. I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I was sure it would be interesting after my wife’s report. Our daughter was diagnosed as takiwātanga recently and although in our gut we always knew, it was great to get the diagnosis to get some answers but also a bit emotional and overwhelming in some ways. The Mockingbird workshop was a great hui to just switch off from the daily routine, to listen to others talking about what they are going through, to receive wisdom, to share experiences and to just get a better idea of how to help our tamariki to have a healthier, happier life. The kaupapa was obvious - kiwis helping kiwis, and the amount of mātauranga and aroha in the room was tangible. It was also great how the Mockingbird whanau seamlessly integrated tikanga and te reo into the workshop. It was a really uplifting and inspiring day, just knowing that there is support, that others are experiencing the same things and you’re not alone meant the world. What a great group of people, thanks so much!"

Robin Hartley - July 2024

"This workshop was very valuable to me as a Mum of an Autistic child. Having the space and time to retreat, reflect, be surrounded by other people who just ‘get it’ is really important. A full day workshop seemed daunting, but it was easy to sit and listen to Ross for a full day, I could have handled longer! I think Ross’s approach of putting his thoughts and ideas out there and encouraging us to just see what rang true for us, or what ‘landed’, took the pressure off and made me feel comfortable that I wasn’t there to get all the answers, just pick up anything that could help us in our family. I came away with an optimistic feeling, several simple easy to implement ideas and strategies and more understanding of what my child lives through on a daily basis. This workshop would be incredibly valuable for anyone who has interaction with neurodiverse kids (or adults) and I highly recommend it."

Shelley L – July 2024

"Loved this workshop, probably the best I've ever been on, it's such an honest workshop of how everything actually is and how to support our kid." 

AH - April 2024 

"What a wonderful workshop. Honest and to the point. I walked away wanting to do better for my child, and knowing what direction to go in. Thanks so much."

RW - April 2024 

"Got so much out of this workshop, appreciate the way it was delivered, but also how Ross took the time to make it real and find out the real stories as well. He totally gets it and has so much insight to share." 

Anon - April 2024 

"This workshop was extremely helpful for someone just starting on this journey, to hear what ASD is all about, where my child fits in and that there is help out there."

Anon - April 2024  

"Such a great workshop that really put you in the shoes of an ND child. It had a lovely focus on “understanding your child” as opposed to trying to “fix” your child which was a breath of fresh air. The vibe was lovely and even though it was quite a large group, Ross gave those who spoke up the space to talk in an open and accepting way and then very carefully integrated those discussions into the topic at hand as live case studies. Great hui!"

Anon - April 2024 

“The workshop was extremely informative, within minutes of Ross talking I felt understood and accepted as a parent navigating this crazy journey in our Atypical family. Connecting with other adults who understand the BIG challenges and well deserved rewards that our Tamariki bring us, in a world that doesn’t understand was so empowering. Ross and the team summed it up so well and enlightened us into our children’s worlds, (many light bulb moments had!) to move forward with compassion and tools to support our family to be happy.  I’m now excited of the future, wanting to spend more time with my children and have the confidence to parent the way that works, not the way I thought/was told it ‘should’ be done. So grateful to the funders that made this possible - this is life changing stuff!"

Emily– September 2023

"My wife and I decided to attend this hui to gather a few pointers to help us improve our parenting skills. We hoped to come away with a few new strategies so we might be better able to support our 11 year old son who has struggled all his life with anxiety and ADHD.

It is almost impossible to put into words the profound impact just the first 10 minutes of hearing Ross speak had on us. After 8 years of looking for help and answers, of trial and error, heartbreak and sadness, we were offered words of support and affirmation that stripped us of the guilt of failure, the tools to move forward and an understanding of what it might be like from my son’s point of view. Finally, we knew it was nothing we or someone else had done to him, that so much of what we had stumbled on was valid and that our gut had eventually been right all along. What is more, we were able to talk with our children in a way we never had thought possible, embrace the past, accept our journey, and see a clear path. If we had been fortunate enough to have heard this message even 4 years ago, so much pain, sadness and doubt would have never existed.  However, we are mostly through the worst of our family struggle but to go forward with this new, utterly incredible understanding is a gift we will never forget. The team at Mockingbird have developed a unique philosophy built from understanding, compassion and lived experience.  We are deeply grateful for their help. These 6 hours have changed everything."

Philip Muir - September 2023

"As a parent of a newly diagnosed neurodiverse teen daughter, I welcome the opportunity to learn more on how I can support my daughter.  The facilitators were knowledgeable and related the course content with real life examples.  A highlight was hearing from the two teenagers who shared their experience and time at Mockingbird, and it was wonderful to hear how with the right support they are thriving.  This gave me hope for my daughter. 

It was wonderful to chat to other parents also.  The lunch provided was really nice and I left the workshop with new tools and a sense of hope to enable my daughter to have a great life. Thank you Mockingbird team and all who made this workshop possible. "

Frith- September 2023

"It certainly gave me a new insight into the wiring of my child's brain, which has given me real mechanisms to help deal with some of his characteristics. I was a reluctant participant but this course spoken in plain English should be available to more parents and not necessarily those with neuro diverse kids."

Anon - September 2023

"A wonderful day spent under the guidance of the exceptional Ross Barker. This was a real raw honest and humorous approach to understanding the neuro-diverse child."

Kitina - September 2023

“This workshop was super helpful in understanding my kids and how their brains work.  Ross has in depth knowledge of atypical children, and I left the workshop feeling empowered by the wisdom he shared. 

As a parent and as a teacher I’m so glad I went to this workshop!”

Amy – September 2023

"It was an incredible opportunity to make connections with other parents and alike and it really gave me a sense of community and belonging.

The presenters were so good and their wealth of wisdom in the field of neurodiversity is invaluable!

Thank you for everything you all do in this community.  Kindness goes a long way."

SL - September 2023

“I loved the content & feel so strongly that Ross has knowledge & understanding of this topic, that I cannot access in any other professional environment. 

The whole day was excellent and very helpful.

This workshop is invaluable to those navigating the world with atypical people/children in their lives. Ross has knowledge and information you simply cannot access elsewhere. His strategies are extremely helpful and actually work!! I love the fact he teaches us to become our own case managers and use our inner guidance. In the workshop you can pull out the information relevant to each child/family member. I find his style excellent and engaging. There's no judgement of your unique situation and it covers all aspects of the huge topic of raising atypical children. 

I've come away fine tuning some things we place focus on in our lives & looking at what truly provides pleasure for us all. So our stress is reduced. Invaluable information.”

Angela Benstead – July 2023

"This was a super helpful workshop thank you. I came along primarily as an Aunty of a young ND person, but also as ND myself, a mum and a counsellor whose absolute favourite people to work with are those who are ND. I wish I had done this workshop when my now almost 18 year old daughter was younger. It would have helped with my confidence in knowing my child, and in my own parenting, to enable me to have advocated better for her within mainstream systems. Her parents having this knowledge could have lessened relational trauma for her and decreased the chances of her using self-harm and self-medicating to cope. I wish this information delivered in this way was more widely available! There are more ND people out here than anyone realises and in a world with increased sensory overload and decreased relational safety, the misunderstood unsupported internalised struggles are heartbreaking!! A one day workshop for professionals particularly about the ND compass and hyperarousal and the idea of medicinal doses of joy etc would be great! Thank you!!"

Anon - July 2023

 “This was one of the best most beneficial workshops I have ever attended both personally and professionally. The time flew by, and I could have easily sat for another five hours listening to Ross share his wisdom. The Mockingbird team were wonderful and the hospitality just right for the large group that attended, the atmosphere very warm and friendly. The handout was an excellent resource and I have read it each day since the workshop something I have never ever done before with handouts.This workshop was outstanding, and I left feeling more supported, understood and empowered than at any other time in my parenting journey. I felt seen and heard and my kete is full of wisdom and new understanding for myself, my child and my family. We have a way forward and we are so very grateful to Ross, Robyn and the awesome Mockingbird team. I wish we had attended this workshop years ago!I am so very grateful for the funders that subsidised this workshop as we are now a one income family so that we can support our son and would not have been able to attend otherwise.”

Lisa – July 2023 

“I'd love to do a series - cause goodness this was renewal, even though its hard to get away to come.

After attending numerous parenting courses and strategies, this seemed much more humanistic. A huge relief to be in the room, to take a breath and to finally be understood. To feel held with greater understanding coming towards us, to be able to pause and learn. Realistic with some good humour. I wish we found you sooner. I would like to hear more.”

Anon – July 2023

Great Workshop!

"Mockingbird's workshop was extremely useful for me as a professional working with children. It helped me to better understand strategies I can use to provide better care for children, and to understand their neurodiversity better. Very valuable information."

EM - April 2023

"Informative with explanations and scenarios that make it relatable. Delivered in a way that gives a depth of understanding to assist us, the parents to achieve the best outcomes for our children as they embark on their journey of being wonderfully neurodiverse!"

Di Rooney - April 2023

"This was a brilliant workshop.  My husband and I gained so much from it.  It was nice to learn with and connect with other parents with neurodiverse children.  The workshop was insightful, relevant, and well facilitated.  I would highly recommend."

VW - October 2022 

“Wow, if you're thinking about doing this workshop do it!  Well worth it, Ross was amazing!  It was such a pleasure to hear him talk and would do so again in a heartbeat.  Ross totally understands and gets our children.  It blew us away, we came away with so many ideas and tools to help us going forward and feeling like finally someone gets it and understands!

Look forward to seeing him again in the future.

Very grateful, thank you Ross."

Kim & Glenn - October 2022

"I first saw Ross Barker when my children were in Primary School and so I was pleased to once again attend his workshop.

I once again learnt so much and also got to thank Ross for the helpful information that helped me better to interact and understand my children now young adults.

One of the key things taken from the workshop was the work around Trauma, understanding that all the little Traumas add up to big Traumas and what our children's survival styles are. 

My family is doing well, they all have great self awareness and self acceptance. Free to be who they are and not what society was trying to make them be."

 Angela Keepa - July 2021 

“I found the Mockingbird workshop with Ross Barker absolutely invaluable. I enjoyed Ross’ style of delivery and he kept me engaged the entire day. Ross’ expertise in working with children on the spectrum was evident but he was also very practical and realistic in his advice. It was reassuring to connect with other parents dealing with similar issues, and I felt the environment was extremely welcoming and non-judgemental. I would jump at the opportunity to attend another Mockingbird workshop and would recommend Ross and the team unreservedly.”

Angela Campbell - July 2021

"Ross Barker's workshop was a fun and informative 'injection of hope'. 

A lovely day in a welcoming relaxed atmosphere. It provided an inclusive and accepting place for the neurodiverse child. For me, such a relief and comfort to know there is a way ahead. And we are just one part of the normal spectrum! 

Makes me sad for all the heart-rending cases that have never had this acceptance or support. 

Ross is a great speaker, and you can take away as little, or as much complexity as you like!  

Mockingbird philosophy should be available everywhere. Hope it becomes part of the norm. 

Thank you so much, ... thank goodness we found you!"

 Viv Atkins - July 2021 

"I dragged my husband along to Ross Barkers event kicking and screaming about going to another thing. Within 30 mins he had wrote on the back of his paper “ok… he’s really good”.  Refreshing, relevant and reviving!" 

 Nikki Guthardt - July 2021