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

Claremont, South Africa Posted on 16/02/2026

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 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.

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.

• 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 schoolbags, uniforms, sports kit, and meals, while role modeling independence and self care.
• Maintain daily systems and assist with light child related household tasks such as dishwasher use or laundry for school uniforms.

• Valid driver's license and reliable car - 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

• 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

• Understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Knowledge of giftedness and asynchronous development
• Awareness of slow processing speed and its impact
• Familiarity with sensory regulation and low arousal approaches
• 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

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

• 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.