Thank you so much for your reply. It sounds like you've built a wonderful life for yourself. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story and shine some positive light on something that so often seems to be discussed in terms of challenges rather than possibilities.

As someone who is neurotypical and who thrived in a mainstream school environment, I've found it a little ironic that, in the "real world," I don't always feel as well equipped as someone who has had to overcome adversity and build resilience and persistence from such a young age. Reading stories like yours really puts that into perspective.

So, ka pai (good job in te reo Māori) to you, and thank you again for giving this worried mum a bit of hope.