Au Pair for a Gifted, Neurodiverse 13-Year-Old Boy (Mowbray/Woodstock/Claremont area)

Job Description

We are seeking a calm, capable au pair to support a gifted, neurodiverse 13‑year‑old boy during his transition into high school and to help close academic gaps. The role centres on daily structure, routine, and continuity, with positive engagement in learning and clear role‑modelling.

He is intellectually strong, especially in physics and mathematics, with wide interests in growing things, science, reading, and gaming. At the same time, he has slower processing speed, sensory regulation needs, and low muscle tone. He benefits from an adult who can provide organisation, regulation, and support, while helping him reconnect with curiosity and enjoyment in learning. He enjoys deep conversations and needs someone patient, focused, and able to listen without being steered off track.

This position would best suit to a graduate student with interests and knowledge similar to his. The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, able to meet him at his level, and comfortable engaging in stimulating conversations while maintaining focus and structure.

Main Purpose of the job:

To provide consistent, structured support for the child’s daily routines, learning engagement, and regulation needs, while fostering confidence, curiosity, and enjoyment in thinking and learning. A special interest and passion in neurodiversity and being a secure, long-term source of support are of the utmost importance.

Job Objectives:

· Support after‑school and evening routines with calm, predictable transitions.

• Assist with task initiation, pacing, and follow‑through, keeping consistency during fatigue or overload.
  
• Supervise homework with focus on organisation, structure, and occasional tutoring.
  
• Manage school materials, deadlines, and planning while encouraging curiosity‑driven learning.
  
• Rebuild confidence using strengths in physics and maths, while supporting weaker areas like Afrikaans and physical activity.
  
• Engage in conversations and activities around science, growing things, maths, reading, computer games, and “how things work”.
  
• Model curiosity, problem‑solving, and independent thinking, with strong grasp of science/maths/physics for rapport.
  
• Monitor fatigue or sensory overload, supporting regulation with calm presence, predictable responses, and movement breaks.
  
• Encourage gentle physical activity and pacing to build stamina.
  
• Handle school and extra‑mural transport, therapy, and appointments (driving essential).
  
• Provide steady emotional support, reinforce boundaries calmly, and follow parent/therapist strategies.
  
• Keep spaces organised, prepare school bags, uniforms, sports kit, and meals, while role‑modelling independence and self‑care.
  
• Maintain daily systems and assist with light child‑related household tasks such as dishwasher use or laundry for school uniforms.
  

Requirements

General Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and reliable car – Essential
  
• Fluent in English – Essential
  
• Availability to commit to this role for at least 1 year – Essential
  
• Calm, patient, and emotionally regulated – Essential
  
• Composed, balanced in speed, able to listen attentively without losing focus – Essential
  
• Extraverted, clear communicator who is explicit and articulate – Essential
  
• Independent and proactive– Essential
  
• A male au pair preferred, though fit and capability are key
  

Job‑Related Education and Experience

• Previous experience supporting adolescents – Essential
  
• Experience with neurodiverse children (ASD, ADHD, sensory regulation) – Essential
  
• Interest in or pursuing a teaching qualification - Strongly Desirable
  
• Background or interest in sciences, psychology, psychiatry, or teaching – Strongly Desirable
  

Job‑Related Knowledge

• Knowledge of giftedness and asynchronous development
  
• Awareness of slow processing speed and its impact
  
• Familiarity with sensory regulation and low-arousal approaches
  

Job‑Related Skills

• Strong organisational skills and ability to implement structure
  
• Ability to proactively plan and manage routines and transitions
  
• Strong verbal communication skills with the child and his parents
  
• Relationship‑building skills and emotional steadiness
  
• Comfort with maths/physics discussions and curiosity‑driven engagement
  

Working Hours & Compensation

• 14h00 – 18h00 (hours may vary depending on daily schedule), Monday to Friday
  
• Flexibility for mornings, school holidays, or peak periods by agreement
  

Benefits

Benefits

• Support and training from a multi-disciplinary team knowledgeable in the field of neurodiversity.
  
• Opportunity to gain experience in adolescent support, neurodiversity, and education.
  
• Accommodation available if live‑in arrangement is preferred
  
• Compensation: R11,000.00 per month – negotiable, depending on qualifications and experience.
  

Requirements
General Requirements: • A valid driver’s license and reliable car – Essential. • Previous experience supporting young neurodiverse children – Desirable. • Experience as a facilitator for neurodiverse children – Desirable. • A heart for long-term commitment (preferably 2 years) – Essential • Job-Related work experience: • - Previous experience in a role supporting neurodivergent children - Essential. • - Previous experience in teaching - Desirable • - Familiarity with special education strategies, curriculum adaptation, and life skills training. Job-Related Knowledge - Familiarity and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - Essential. • - Familiarity with low arousal, child-led, neuro-affirming approach - Essential. • - Patience, empathy, and a commitment to building a trusting, supportive relationship with the child. • - Flexible and adaptable, able to adjust to the child’s needs and family’s schedule. • - Relevant certifications or qualifications in education, special education, psychology, or related fields – Desirable. Job-Related Skills: • - Ability to minimise stress and anxiety for both children by utilising a low arousal approach - Essential. • - Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with the family and other support systems - Essential • - Organisational skills, i.e., ability to implement structure, strong time management imperative - Essential. • - Social, play and life skills – Essential. • - Relationship building skills – Essential.