From finding support to creating it: How the UAE helped this mother find a new path for her neurodivergent child

Dubai: The journey of Robie Torre-Gonzales, a mother from the Philippines, began when she arrived in the UAE for a job. However, the toughest part of her journey was leaving her family behind. She had a promising career in the Philippines and two young children, but the financial and emotional challenges of raising her eldest, who is neurodivergent, were too much.

Despite the difficult goodbye, she accepted a job offer in Dubai. Two years later, she brought her children to the UAE and started navigating the support available for children with neurodivergence. Back in 2011, there was limited support for such children, and many parents were hesitant to discuss their needs openly. However, she and other parents formed a support network, sharing knowledge and helping each other.

Over the years, the UAE has seen significant progress in inclusion and support for neurodivergent children. Gonzales has personally witnessed the change in the conversation and support available for her children. While motherhood has been central to her story, she has also built a career in the UAE. Initially facing challenges in a multicultural workplace, she learned to understand and navigate different cultures and communication styles.

Her career progressed, leading to her current role as an HR Manager, overseeing organisational development and learning and development. This career has enabled her to provide a better life for her family, sending her children to better schools, traveling, and investing in her own education. At 45, she returned to education, pursuing a master's degree.

Unfortunately, the pandemic ended her 11-year corporate career. Although this loss was painful, it opened a new door for her. She now runs People Bureau International, an HR consultancy, and Senyara Learning, a learning support venture. Gonzales attributes her entrepreneurial success to the UAE's strong entrepreneurial spirit and supportive environment.

Her personal experiences as a mother have become integral to her reinvention, leading her to create Senyara Learning, offering free seminars and parent learning conversations to help parents understand and support their children's learning journeys.