FOR FAMILIES AND EMPLOYERS
Find a Neuro-affirming Facilitator, Au Pair, Tutor or Companion
Clinically informed matching and training for families of neurodivergent children and adults
Support that fits your family member, not just a CV
Raising a child with a differently wired brain, or navigating life as a neurodivergent adult, brings both real strengths and very real challenges. The right support person can make an enormous difference, and the wrong fit can make things harder.
The NDC Facilitation Academy thoughtfully matches families with suitable facilitators, au pairs, tutors and adult companions, then equips those individuals with the knowledge, skills and understanding to provide meaningful, effective and neuro-affirming support. We are part of the Neurodiversity Centre’s well-established multidisciplinary team, grounded in evidence-based practice.
We support people across the lifespan, from young children through to adults. This is achieved through two carefully designed phases: Phase 1, Sourcing, and Phase 2, Onboarding.
Prefer the full detail in one document?
What makes our approach different
Skilled, neuro-affirming facilitation doesn’t create dependency. It creates access. A well-matched facilitator removes the barriers between what a person knows and what they can show.
People supported by trained, affirming facilitators tend to show greater independence and autonomy over time, improved overall wellbeing, stronger self-advocacy skills and better outcomes across home, school and community.
Equally, we take seriously what the research tells us about poor fit and under-trained support: an unskilled facilitator can inadvertently undermine progress, confidence and autonomy. That’s why our sourcing and onboarding process matters so deeply.
Our best-fit approach weighs a candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, personality, strengths and interests alongside your family member’s specific neurology, sensory profile, communication style, regulatory needs and goals.
Our values and commitments to you
Neuro-affirming at heart
We celebrate neurodiversity. Differently wired brains are not broken; they are different, and that difference deserves respect, not correction.
Rigorous and evidence-based
Every step of our sourcing and training is grounded in current research in neurodevelopment, trauma-informed care and inclusive support practice.
Transparent and communicative
You will never be left wondering where things stand. We are in regular contact throughout the sourcing and onboarding journey.
Whole-family approach
Supporting a neurodivergent family member affects the whole family system. Parents, siblings and caregivers are valued partners in our process.
Phase 1: The sourcing process
The sourcing process is intentionally thorough. Our team invests dedicated time and careful analysis into each case to ensure a well-considered, appropriate and supportive placement. We stay in close contact with you throughout, so you always know what is happening and what comes next.
- Registration and profile intake. You complete our detailed intake form, giving us a full picture of your family member’s profile, goals, support needs, sensory preferences, communication style and daily routines.
- Consultation. A member of our Academy team meets with you, and your key working psychologist where applicable, to build a thorough, nuanced understanding of your family member’s needs.
- Candidate search and shortlisting. We actively search for, screen and shortlist candidates whose qualifications, experience and personal qualities align with your family member’s profile.
- Compatibility assessment. Shortlisted candidates are evaluated using our best-fit framework, taking into account personality, strengths, interests and practical logistics.
- Family introduction and interview. You meet your top candidate or candidates. We support you through this process and welcome your feedback.
- Placement and employment. Once a match is confirmed, we support the transition to employment, with clarity around expectations, boundaries and ways of working.
Phase 1: Sourcing Process (all steps included)
R6,775
Payable upfront upon registration.
Phase 2: The onboarding process
While onboarding is not compulsory, we strongly recommend it. Your family member deserves informed, skilled and confident support from day one.
Once a candidate is employed, we proceed with Phase 2. Our onboarding equips the candidate with both theoretical understanding and practical, real-world skills, so they step into their role feeling confident, prepared and truly ready.
Component 1: Online self-paced training course
This is not a brief orientation. It is an in-depth course grounded in:
- Current research in neurodevelopment and the neurodiversity paradigm
- Understanding neurodivergent profiles: autism, ADHD, PDA, dyslexia and related differences
- The theory and principles of neuro-affirming support
- Practical facilitation strategies for home and school
- Emotional regulation, co-regulation and sensory support
- Understanding behaviour as communication
Accountability and standards
- Each module is formally assessed
- A minimum pass mark of 70% is required to progress
- Progress is tracked by the Facilitation Academy team
- Facilitators have 6 to 8 weeks to complete the course
Component 2: Personalised support sessions
Support sessions run alongside the online training, bridging theory and practice.
Round table meeting
When the candidate begins their role, we convene a round table with parents, the candidate, the school (if relevant) and the Facilitation Academy Coordinator, so everyone is aligned on goals and expectations from the very start.
Four individual sessions
Four one-hour sessions with the Facilitation Academy Coordinator, tailored to your family member’s strengths, sensory needs, communication style, regulation profile and support goals.
Phase 2: Onboarding Process (online course and support sessions)
R7,890
Payable upfront upon enrolment into onboarding.
You don’t pay for both phases at once. Payment for Phase 2 is only required once a candidate has been sourced, employed and is about to begin working with your family member.
Already have a facilitator or au pair? Our training is also available on its own.
What to expect: your journey with us
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Registration, intake and initial consultation. We get to know your family member deeply. |
| Weeks 2 to 4 | Active candidate search, screening and shortlisting based on your family member’s profile. |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Candidate introductions. You meet shortlisted candidates and share your feedback. |
| Weeks 6 to 8 | Final placement confirmed. Employment arrangements formalised. |
| From day 1 of the role | Onboarding begins. Round table meeting held. Online training course started. |
| Weeks 1 to 8 of the role | Support sessions run alongside the training. The Academy team remains available for consultation. |
| Ongoing | We remain a resource for your family and your facilitator throughout the placement. |
Understanding the different support roles
“Facilitator” is used here as an inclusive term for a range of support roles. Each role responds to the individual’s strengths, needs and context. Use these descriptions to decide which type of support is the best fit for your family member.
School Facilitator
A School Facilitator is a support role, not a teacher or therapist. The goal is always to promote independence, not dependence, while ensuring the learner can meaningfully access their educational environment. Also known as a class facilitator, learning facilitator, shadow aide or learning support assistant.
Best suited for children and young people who:
- Need sensory regulation and executive functioning support at school
- Need scaffolded support in a more mainstream environment
- Experience anxiety or overwhelm in the classroom
- Benefit from structured scaffolding to access the curriculum
- Need guided support navigating peer relationships, classroom dynamics and routines
- Have been recommended a facilitator by their school or teacher
Purpose
A School Facilitator provides in-school support to help a learner access their educational environment in a way that is regulating, structured and aligned with their individual learning profile. The facilitator works collaboratively with the family, school staff and the learner’s multidisciplinary team to ensure consistency, clarity and inclusive support throughout the school day.
Key responsibilities
In-class support
- Attend school for part of or the full school day, as agreed
- Scaffold executive functioning: planning, organising, problem-solving and task initiation
- Break tasks into manageable steps and adapt instructions for clarity
- Support transitions, routines and classroom expectations
- Use visual supports and personalised learning tools where appropriate
Social and emotional support
- Facilitate social understanding and peer interaction, such as turn-taking and reading social cues
- Support emotional regulation and reduce anxiety linked to uncertainty
- Help the learner build confidence and self-advocacy skills
Collaboration and communication
- Act as a bridge between learner, teachers and parents
- Promote inclusive practices within the classroom
- Encourage increasing independence and autonomy over time
Au Pair / Nanny
A neuro-affirming Au Pair is a caregiving and support role within the home. The emphasis is on nurturing care, regulation, routine and fostering growing independence within everyday life. A neuro-affirming au pair or nanny for an autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent child.
Best suited for children and young people who:
- Would benefit from consistent, structured support at home
- Need emotional and sensory co-regulation
- Need help with daily routines and transitions
- Thrive with predictable caregiving and practical support
- Would benefit from planned, engaging activities with a trusted adult
Purpose
A neuro-affirming Au Pair provides consistent, nurturing care within the home while supporting the child’s emotional regulation, daily routines and developmental needs. The role prioritises safety, connection, predictability and practical support, while staying responsive to the child’s unique neurodevelopmental profile. The Au Pair works in partnership with parents and, where relevant, the child’s broader support team.
Key responsibilities
Care and daily living
- Provide attentive supervision, age-appropriate care and meaningful engagement
- Support routines such as meals, bathing, dressing and bedtime
- Prepare meals aligned with the child’s sensory preferences and nutritional needs
- Help with school pick-ups and transport to activities and extra-murals
Development and play
- Engage in interactive, strengths-based activities
- Support social development through guided interaction
- Encourage independence in age-appropriate daily tasks
Emotional and sensory regulation
- Provide co-regulation and emotional support
- Recognise and respond to overwhelm, sensory fatigue or dysregulation
- Use a low-demand approach, with predictable routines and visual supports
- Manage transitions between activities with care and consistency
Homework and functional support
- Provide general homework supervision and encouragement
- Oversee homework tasks and deadlines
- Break tasks into manageable steps where needed
- Reinforce organisational habits, such as packing school bags
Tutor / Home-school Facilitator
A Home-school Tutor or Facilitator provides academic instruction within a neuro-affirming framework. The emphasis is on regulation, skill development, competence and long-term independence. One-on-one academic support for neurodivergent learners, at home or alongside school.
Best suited for children and young people who:
- Are home-schooled and need structured teaching support and curriculum oversight
- Benefit from one-on-one instruction tailored to their learning style
- Need support with regulation, executive functioning and study skills
Purpose
A Home-school Tutor or Facilitator provides individualised academic support and curriculum facilitation within the home. The role helps the learner access their curriculum in a way that fits their neurodivergent learning profile, while building competence, confidence and independent study skills. The tutor forms part of the learner’s broader support team and works collaboratively with parents and relevant professionals.
Key responsibilities
Academic support
- Provide one-on-one teaching or tutoring
- Follow a prescribed curriculum, such as CAPS, IEB, Cambridge or other home-school curricula, through an online learning platform
- Adapt teaching methods to the learner’s processing style and strengths
- Monitor progress and adjust strategies accordingly
- Design and use personalised learning materials and visual supports
Executive functioning and study skills
- Break tasks into manageable steps
- Support planning, organisation and time management
- Help with timetables, assignment tracking, submissions and exam preparation
- Develop sustainable study routines and systems
Emotional and sensory regulation
- Provide co-regulation and emotional support during learning
- Recognise and respond to sensory needs that affect learning
- Create a structured, predictable and, where needed, low-demand workspace
- Pace demands in line with the learner’s day-to-day capacity
Confidence and independence
- Build academic self-esteem and learner agency
- Encourage problem-solving and self-advocacy
- Gradually reduce scaffolding as skills strengthen
Adult Companion
An Adult Companion is a neuro-affirming support role focused on increasing independence, confidence and quality of life according to the adult’s own goals and preferences. The companion works alongside the individual, not in place of them. A neuro-affirming support worker for autistic, ADHD and otherwise neurodivergent adults.
Best suited for adults who:
- Would benefit from structured support in daily living
- Experience executive functioning challenges
- Need help navigating home, community and social environments
- Would benefit from a consistent, trusted and safe support person
Purpose
An Adult Companion provides personalised, practical and relational support to a neurodivergent adult to enhance independence, wellbeing and meaningful community participation. The role is grounded in respect, autonomy and collaboration, recognising the adult’s unique profile, strengths, preferences and goals, and promoting agency and self-determination.
Key responsibilities
Daily living support
- Help with day-to-day tasks where requested, such as meal prep, household organisation and appointment reminders
- Support planning, scheduling and time management
- Create systems and visual supports that increase predictability and reduce overwhelm
- Scaffold tasks in ways that build long-term independence
Community and social participation
- Support participation in social, recreational and vocational activities
- Help navigate community environments when needed
- Encourage authentic connection aligned with the person’s interests
- Promote self-advocacy in social and community contexts
Emotional and sensory regulation
- Provide co-regulation during periods of stress or overwhelm
- Recognise and accommodate sensory preferences
- Support energy management and pacing according to the person’s capacity
- Maintain a non-judgemental, collaborative and respectful presence
Collaboration and advocacy
- Work with the broader multidisciplinary team where applicable
- Reinforce strategies recommended by therapists and other professionals
- Support the development of self-advocacy and decision-making skills
- Respect confidentiality, dignity and adult autonomy at all times
Frequently asked questions
Can I be involved in choosing the facilitator?
Absolutely. You are a central part of the selection process. We introduce you to shortlisted candidates and your feedback is essential before any final placement is made.
What if the match doesn’t feel right?
Fit matters enormously. If a placement is not working, we will work with you to understand the issues and explore alternative options. Your family member’s wellbeing is always our priority.
Do facilitators need prior experience with neurodivergent individuals?
We seek candidates with relevant experience and/or qualifications where possible. However, the right personal qualities, such as empathy, flexibility, patience and a genuine commitment to learning, are equally important. Our onboarding training then equips them with the specific skills they need.
Is the onboarding process really necessary?
While not compulsory, we strongly recommend it. Trained facilitators achieve significantly better outcomes, so the investment in onboarding is an investment in your family member’s progress and wellbeing.
How long does the sourcing process take?
In most cases, families can expect approximately 4 to 8 weeks from registration to confirmed placement. The timeline can be longer depending on a candidate’s notice period, or if your family member’s profile has very specific requirements.
Can you guarantee a long-term placement?
Because we are dealing with people and life’s variables, we cannot guarantee a long-term placement. What we can guarantee is a thorough interview with every candidate, including questions about longevity, future plans and other roles they are applying for, as well as reference and criminal checks and the post-placement support described above.
Who employs and pays the facilitator or au pair?
Your family is the employer. You provide the candidate with an employment contract and pay their salary directly. We recommend that no candidate starts working without a signed contract in place.
What can I expect to pay an au pair or facilitator?
As a guideline, hourly rates for au pairs and facilitators typically range from R80 to R200 per hour. Generally, the fewer hours worked, the higher the hourly rate, and the more hours worked, the lower the rate. Actual rates depend on the hours and days needed and on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. We guide families and candidates through this.
What can I expect to pay a tutor?
Tuition rates differ across educational levels, from early childhood development (ECD) and foundation phase through intermediate and high school. As a guideline, primary school tutors earn at least R200 per hour and high school tutors R300 per hour, subject to the specific requirements of each family.
What ages do you support?
We support individuals across the lifespan, from young children through to adults, with support roles tailored to different life stages and needs.
Do you place facilitators and au pairs outside South Africa?
Our sourcing and placement service operates across South Africa, with branches in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Our training is online and available to families worldwide.
Register your family
How registration works
- Complete the registration form below.
- Completing the form does not commit you to using our services, and there is no cost if you choose not to proceed.
- We start working on your family brief once you have confirmed you would like to go ahead and we have received the Phase 1 payment.
Our Terms and Conditions are included in the registration form. Please read them carefully. Questions? Email academy@neurodiversitycentre.co.za.
