How does NeuroMe work?
We don't do things the same neurotypical way, and expect something different for our neurodiversity - that's insanity! -Einstein (kind of)
At NeuroMe, we understand that the way neurodivergent learners think, feel and process information is different, and that difference is their superpower.
NeuroMe is a neurodiversity friendly road to the same academic destination, the official South African matric certificate.
1. Accessibility and Registration
Learners in Grades R – 9, are seen as homeschooled, therefore the parent acts as the primary educator, and registration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) must be completed by the parent.
For learners entering Grades 10 – 12, NeuroMe will register learners directly with SACAI, the official distance education assessment body. This ensures they are placed on the three-year accredited academic track (grade 10, 11 and 12) leading to the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
This is the exact same matric certificate that mainstream school learners receive, issued by Umalusi, the national quality assurance body for education in South Africa.
With NeuroMe, your child takes a neurodivergent-friendly path to the same academic destination as everyone else.
2. What is the Standard Academic Year like?
Our learners follow the CAPS curriculum, but with a NeuroMe difference. We ensure that every Annual Teaching Plan (ATP) objective is fully achieved, yet delivered in a neurodiversity-friendly way.
Instead of daily deadlines and rigid timetables with live-lessons or pre-recorded videos, we release two weeks of self-guided work at a time, giving learners the autonomy to work when they are ready and rest when they need to. This rhythm respects sensory, emotional and cognitive needs.
Each term consists of just five sections. Learners who complete these within the timeframe progress seamlessly and experience real mastery and quality over quantity every time.
In grade R-9 all lessons are part of their continuous assessments to allow an overall reflection of their academics instead of putting all their eggs into one assessment basket.
3. What customisations or flexibility is available?
We know that every brain works differently.
For Grades R – 9, learners who need additional time may continue working on their sections until they are ready, even if it rolls into the next academic year. Promotion to the next grade happens when the learner has completed the current grade confidently, not when a calendar says so.
Multi-grade enrolments are also possible. Learners can be enroled across different grade levels per subject, provided that all subjects are completed by the end of Grade 9 to transition into Grade 10 in January of a new academic year.
4. How are lessons delivered?
All NeuroMe content is available in English and Afrikaans, but most importantly, it is written in the language of neurodiversity. These lessons are delivered on Google Classroom, and therefore a learner simply needs a suitable device to access the work online. It is ideal to have a laptop (with a mic and camera), accompanied by a phone for recording practical components, a printer for occasional printing such as crafts or assessments in older grades, and basic stationery/household products for projects and hands on activities. We provide all learning material and do not require parents to purchase textbooks, beyond the odd crafting materials needed for practical activities. Unless of course the FET learner prefers to buy the current novel or literature for their personal collection.
New lessons are released every second Monday, typically covering two lessons per subject per section.
This predictable structure gives learners a sense of security and parents peace of mind that there will be no surprises or no sudden overwhelm.
Lessons are fully aligned with CAPS ATPs, but they speak the language of the neurodivergent mind, simplifying complex concepts, using relatable analogies, and removing unnecessary academic pressure or annoying repetition.
All lessons are individually marked by our dedicated team, with personalised feedback sent directly to each learner via email.
For Grades R – 9, audio support is freely available for all lessons and assessments to promote accessibility. From Grades 10 – 12, this is phased out to help learners gradually adapt to SACAI assessment expectations.
Every NeuroMe lesson is intentionally designed to serve a broad spectrum of diverse learning needs, with particular care for learners with PDA, ADHD, dyslexia, autism and sensory processing sensitivities, while still delivering robust academic rigour. We recognise that families want to understand what this looks like in real life, so we invite you to explore a selection of sample lessons across each phase below. Although this is not the full NeuroMe experience, it will give you a clear sense of our lesson layout and the academic expectations your child will navigate with confidence.
5. Which subjects are offered?
All NeuroMe content is available in English and Afrikaans.
Foundation Phase
Grade R: Home Language; Mathematics; and Life Skills
Grades 1 – 3: Home Language; First Additional Language; Mathematics; and Life Skills
Intermediate Phase
Grades 4 – 6: Home Language; First Additional Language; Mathematics; Life Skills; Natural Sciences and Technology; and Social Sciences
Senior Phase
Grades 7 – 9: Home Language; First Additional Language; Mathematics; Life Orientation; Creative Arts (Drama and Art); Economic Management Sciences; Natural Sciences; Social Sciences; and Technology
FET Phase
Grades 10 – 12:
Compulsory: Home Language; First Additional Language; Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy; and Life Orientation
Plus three electives chosen from:
Accounting; Agricultural Management; Business Studies; Computer Application Technology; Consumer Studies (may not be taken with Hospitality Studies); Dramatic Arts; Engineering Graphics and Design; Geography; History; Hospitality Studies (may not be taken with Consumer Studies); Life Sciences; Physical Sciences (must be taken with Mathematics); Tourism; Visual Arts
6. How are assessments done (Knowledge Challenges)?
At NeuroMe the word “exam” is taboo, as it often elicits a trauma-response in our learners, instead we call it a fun Knowledge Challenge.
Grades R – 9: Assessments are created by NeuroMe and mirror the style of our lessons, ensuring familiarity and confidence.
Grades 10 – 12: Knowledge Challenges are set by SACAI and offered to our learners online, while being answered hand-written to prepare learners for the final matric exams (unless they have SACAI-approved accommodations). The matric final exams however are written in-person in a SACAI allocated exam venue closest to your home.
From Grade 3 – 12, assessments are completed using the Invigilator App that runs in the background while learners write, with AI integrity checks to maintain fairness.
What makes us special? Before any formal assessment, we provide:
A 2-week preparation section with all relevant study materials and guides
Two full practice rounds that simulate the real assessment experience, including Invigilator App training and use
This approach ensures learners are both academically and emotionally prepared, creating calm neuropathways and reducing assessment anxiety.
Even for those who may not pursue a final matric certificate, these experiences build confidence, emotional resilience and readiness for life beyond school.
7. How does accommodations work?
Formal accommodations are approved based on an Educational Psychologist’s recommendation i.e. Additional time, a reader, a scribe, a prompter, etc. during assessments.
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Grades R – 9: Parents apply directly to their provincial DBE using the Ed Psych report.
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Grades 10 – 12: NeuroMe submits the accommodation application to SACAI on behalf of parents, using both the current Ed Psych report (not older than 3 years) and proof of previously granted accommodations.
Early documentation helps secure continuity of support later, a vital step for success in senior grades.
8. What support is available?
Every phase has its own Academic Lead and Support Lead who provide targeted assistance whenever needed for both parent and learner.
NeuroMe will never call or email to pressure learners. Instead, when support is requested, whether academic or emotional, our team responds with care. You can reach us via email, WhatsApp, or a call at any time.
9. Which option is right for me?
Option 1:
Full curriculum access, accredited marking, detailed feedback, official reports, Academic & Support Lead guidance.
Ideal for families that are comfortable managing learning independently but want professional oversight.
Option 2:
Everything in Option 1 plus weekly check-ins with a NeuroChamp who helps learners build soft skills, manage anxiety, and strengthen executive functioning.
Ideal for families seeking emotional support and skill-building alongside academics.
