"Our Philosophy: Neurodivergent, naturally normal."
At The Loading Zone our mission is to support neurodivergent young people.
We marvel at their thought processes, out-of-the-box thinking,
creativity of mind and outlook on the world.
We never want to change an individual we want to help them
be themselves, in all of life's settings.
Communication & Self Advocacy Support
Speech therapy at The Loading Zone is different.
Emma Gill, our speech therapist, outlines what we believe speech therapy is about.
Social Support
We want neurodivergent young people to find enjoyment in socialising and making friends,
by doing something they like, with like-minded peers.
Building self-confidence because they know they have someone at The Loading Zone who also wants to talk about, Minecraft mods, Lego mini figs, Marvel vs DC, space, dinosaurs, anima, Pokémon, best YouTuber, best game, funny cat videos on YouTube , what would happen if Godzilla met a T-rex, what is the best super power to have, why teleporting can’t work, asteroid mining, climate change, and what are their favourite parts of a black hole.
Services include:
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Peer sessions
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Dungeons & Dragons
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Mentoring
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Gaming
Transition Mentoring
Our experienced transition coach provides mentoring support to aid transition from one setting to another. This could be from school to further study, from school to work, study to work, or support a transition into a new career or even support a move into part-time work while studying.
This support is particularly good for older teens and young adults who might not know what they would like to do next. Together and collaboratively, the next steps can be explored, and support provided to move forward with a plan or approach.
This is a highly individualised program and is delivered on a one-to-one basis.
Literacy, Homework and Study Support
We have a highly experience ex-teacher who provides support in literacy, study or cognitive organisation.
Many young people in high school or post school still struggle with literacy. Our program aims to continue literacy development through a tailored program.
Organisation around homework, assignments even structuring a written answer can be challenging. We provide individual support to improve cognitive organisation. We also provide support to complete further study.
Founders
Margie Tully
Margie has worked in the disability field for over 6 years starting as NDIS plan manager. She has two amazing teen boys one of which is neurodivergent. Margie understands the challenges around schooling and together with her boys, has, at different times been enrolled in the public school system, catholic system, private system, special school system, distance ed and home schooling. Her philosophy around therapy and developmental supports has always been to find the smartest and kindest people possible, who sees the child before they see the challenges, listen to them, and never let them go.
Emma Gill
Emma has worked as a speech pathologist since 2003 both in the UK and Australia. Emma is passionate about family-centred practice and using a relationship-based approach to support clients in achieving their full potential. Emma sees an amazing child before she sees the challenges. She doesn’t teach a child, or ever change a child, she up-skills them and supports them, social, emotionally and sensory.