We bring experts into underserved rural communities to identify children with neurodevelopmental differences and provide training to teachers and leaders in the community to support families of neurodiverse children— because early intervention opens doors.
Up to 70% of South African children with neurodevelopmental differences are never formally identified.
Without screening, children with autism, ADHD, learning differences, and sensory challenges are often mislabelled as “problem children” instead of being supported.
Undiagnosed neurodiversity is a silent contributor to school failure and unemployment.
Children who struggle with impulse control, attention, or communication are more likely to drop out of school — limiting future employment opportunities.
A significant proportion of South Africa’s prison population shows signs of untreated neurodevelopmental challenges.
Impulsivity, poor emotional regulation, and learning difficulties — when unsupported — increase vulnerability to conflict with the law.
Communities carry the cost when early support is missing.
Families, teachers, and caregivers are left without tools or understanding, reinforcing stigma and exclusion instead of inclusion.
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We are dedicated to supporting neurodiverse children and families who do not have access to early assessment or intervention due to financial or geographic barriers.
Our primary focus is early identification of children showing signs of neurodevelopmental differences — including challenges in communication, social interaction, attention, behaviour, learning, motor coordination, mood, and sleep.
Research shows that these challenges often overlap, and that early difficulties predict greater challenges later in life if left unsupported. That is why we prioritise comprehensive screening and coordinated intervention — giving children the best possible chance to thrive.
Neurodiversity Foundation is the non-profit partner of the Neurodiversity Centre and is guided by the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre (Gothenburg, Sweden).
We are a registered NPO and PBO with full Section 18A tax-deductible status.
Registered NPO & PBO
NPO: 206-499
PBO: 930065988
Section 18A Tax-Deductible
Guided by International Neuropsychiatric Research
In partnership with the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre (Sweden)
Meet our Team
We are a small but passionate team, based in Cape Town, South Africa, committed to making neurodevelopmental support more accessible to children and families in underserved communities across the Breede Valley and beyond.
Together, we combine professional expertise with a deep commitment to creating positive change through awareness, early intervention, research, and community support.
Our Team
Ben Truter – Co-Founder
Petra Conradie – Co-Founder & Chairperson
Doranne McDonald – Executive Director
Nathalie Henning– Project Administrator
Together, we are working towards a future where every child is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Our Founders - Ben Truter & Petra Conradie
Ben and Petra founded the Neurodiversity Foundation in 2017, united by a passion for neurodiversity, mental health, and equitable access to support services.
Ben, a researcher and Clinical Director of the Neurodiversity Centre, leads early screening and intervention projects. Petra, a Counselling Psychologist with over 20 years of experience, supports families, conducts assessments, and contributes to community-focused research.
Together, they are working towards a future where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Our Director - Doranne McDonald
With over 20 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist, Doranne has dedicated her career to supporting children, families, and communities in rural and underserved healthcare settings. Her work has included clinical practice, health system strengthening, and paediatric HIV/AIDS programmes across South Africa and internationally.
After working in Nepal and with the NHS in the U.K., she is thrilled to be back in South Africa, helping extend neurodiversity awareness and services to communities that need them most.
Outside of work, Doranne loves reading, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
Neurodevelopmental challenges that go unidentified in childhood often follow a painful trajectory — struggling through school, limited employment opportunities, and in many cases, untreated impulsivity and emotional regulation challenges later intersect with the justice system.
We work at the earliest point of the problem — screening children in rural communities so they can be supported, not misunderstood.
Because early identification rewrites futures:
One screening can change a lifetime
Early support reduces long-term social and economic cost
Understanding replaces stigma in uninformed communities
Supported children grow into stronger, safer communities
With recent cuts in funding, thousands of vulnerable children risk going unseen.
Your support helps us deploy trained therapists and neurologists into underserved communities — preventing lifelong barriers before they take root.
This is not charity...
*All donors receive Section 18A tax certificates for South African tax deductions.*
Clinical Screening Partnerships
Research & Academic Guidance Partners
Rural Community Access Partners
Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Funding Partners
Parent & Caregiver Education Partners
Public Benefit Programme Partners
Please contact us if you or your organisation has any ideas or resources you feel might benefit this great cause.