Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread lockdown, which made life change drastically,
and for families with neurodiverse children, these changes were even more profound. The
isolation and disruption to regular routines brought new challenges that left many caregivers
overwhelmed. The sudden loss of access to therapist, special education, and social interactions
meant that families were left to navigate these complex needs on their own. It was in this
moment of need that Punuka Foundation stepped forward to fund and co-implement a COVID-
19 Support Project designed specifically to provide a lifeline to neurodiverse children and their
parents/guardians.
