Learning and training support with a difference
Supporting the neurodivergent world.
Who are the "square pegs"?
The square pegs are the odd ones out, the ones who don't fit the normal idea of what learners should be. Now recognised as being “neurodivergent”, these are learners with autism, ADHD, dyslexia or other learning differences. Society is becoming increasingly accepting of these differences and is learning to adapt to them. Square Peg Learning and Training was started in 2015 to cater to this need.
Understanding the "square pegs"
As a parent and step-parent of young people with a combination of Asperger's, dyslexia and ADHD, Peter has a deeper understanding of how these diagnoses can affect learning.
Peter has also had considerable experience teaching and tutoring young people with different learning difficulties and disabilities.
He "gets" where they're coming from and can gain their trust to help them believe in themselves. Peter is also a late-diagnosed autistic with inattentive ADHD. He says it explains so much. Peter likes to describe himself as an AuDHDad.
Services provided
School tutoring
Home schooling and distance education support
Preparation for TAFE and university
(NDIS lifelong learning)
NDIS support coordination
One-on-one tutoring
Peter can meet your child at your home or somewhere they feel comfortable. If this is not possible, online support is available. He can work with your child's school, helping them with homework, areas they are struggling with, and assignments. Peter uses a range of strategies and tools to find what works best for your child. An important part of the support is with executive functioning or organising study and assessments. This is an area of difficulty for many neurodivergent people.
Linking with school
It's important to be supporting students with what they're learning at school.This means communicating with teachers through parents.This is particularly important for exams and assignments.
As a teacher, Peter can interpret "school talk" and make sense of it for you and your child. He can also talk to the school and work with them as needed.
Home schooling and distance education support
Peter has experience as a distance education teacher and was involved in the early days of online learning in Queensland, supporting teachers, students and families. He understands how to develop and deliver online courses and knows what is needed for students to succeed. Peter is also a firm believer in education that is based around students’ individual interests and learning needs. He is flexible and is able to design and support programs that work for students and their families. This is a good option for homeschooling families. Contact Peter to find out more this growing area of education.
Preparation for TAFE and university (NDIS lifelong learning)
Everyone is on their own journey. Peter's wide experiences and knowledge make him the ideal support person for you or your child's journey as a learner, at any stage of life. Transitions to further learning such as university and TAFE can be difficult for neurodivergent people. Peter can provide the help needed to make further education a success. Peter is able to provide support in this category through the NDIS.
NDIS Support Coordination
Peter is currently an NDIS support coordinator. His focus is on autistic individuals either living at home or independently. Peter’s expertise and lived experience with autism gives him a unique perspective. He has also been a citizen advocate providing freely-given support to a vulnerable person. Peter’s experience, ability to make connections, research and come up with answers to problems make him an effective support coordinator. Support coordination is about solving problems, something Peter is particularly good at. If he can't come up with an answer, then he will find someone who can.
What people have said about Peter
"Peter has tutored two of my children, one with special needs. He is a kind compassionate and thoughtful teacher and caters perfectly to a child's needs. My younger son, with Peter's help, is doing really well at school. I highly recommend Square Peg Learning and Training."
"Peter has been my children’s tutor for nearly 10 years. It’s been a wonderful experience and has helped my children immensely. Peter has a way of explaining things that children and teens understand. Highly recommended - it’s always a pleasure dealing with Peter. 5 stars."
"I feel like I'm finally going to start a new chapter in my life where things are going to get better and it's already heading that way. Peter cares and he's funny and he actually listens to me when I've had a lot of trouble in the past with feeling infantilised due to my disability. I cannot recommend him enough; it's been legitimately life changing."
About Peter
Peter has been working as a teacher for 30 years and as a tutor since 2015. He has a strong mix of experience, knowledge, skills and empathy. He has considerable experience working with students from different backgrounds, including those of different nationalities. He speaks some Tok Pisin and Indonesian. His background as an history teacher means that he can “connect the dots” and understands the world we live in.
Peter has been a primary and secondary teacher, teacher-librarian, online educator, principal, inclusive education support teacher and online teacher mentor. He has worked in government, Catholic and special assistance schools. Peter is also a casual academic supporting education students. He is a published historian and has plans for further writing.
Peter specialises in helping students identify and achieve their personal goals through a tailored approach. To do this, Peter uses a range of resources, including technology and more traditional or "old-school" methods. Peter takes great pride in the progress and success of his students, and looks forward to helping you. He holds a Blue Card, NDIS Working with Children Card, and is in the process of becoming a registered NDIS provider.
Contact Peter to find out what he can offer you and your student.
Links and other resources
YouTube
Clickability
Linktree
The legal stuff
Coaching agreement
Non-disclosure agreement
Privacy policy
Website terms of use and disclaimer
Complaints policy
Contact Peter for more information.
It's OK to be different.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
Henry David Thoreau
