Hilra Gondim Vinha, PhD

Educationalist, author, advocate

Championing neurodiversity and inclusion

Featured work:

• The tangram method: Discover my book on fostering unmasking and self-empowerment for neurodivergent young people through structured conversations.
• Flipping the Tangram Method: Explore my publication encouraging neurodivergent people to dive into the neurotypical mind and promote the construction of double empathy bridges.
• Unstoppable Mother: My latest book exploring the journey of advocacy, personal resilience, and the pursuit of individual freedom.
• Advocacy and research: Learn about my contributions to books on belonging for people with profound intellectual disabilities.

Visit my stand at the Autism Show London:

On the 19th and 20th of June, I am delighted to share:

• My books: Pick up a copy of The tangram method, Flipping the Tangram Method, and Unstoppable Mother.
• Neurodiversity cards: View my curated collection of communication cards and awareness prompts.
• My talk: Join me for my presentation on Saturday morning, 20 June!

Learn more and connect

For my whole life, I have been passionate about inclusion in society and especially in education. This comes from my experiences with my disabled brother. But then, something happened in my adult life that really brought autism into sharp focus for me. First, my husband was diagnosed, and at the same time, my work in a secondary school meant I was meeting incredible autistic teenagers and their families. It was like the universe was telling me, ‘Hey, pay attention!’

This mix of personal and professional experiences sparked a real fire in me. I wanted to learn more about neurodiversity, how different brains work, how people experience the world in unique ways, and how we can all understand each other better. It was a fascinating journey of discovery.

All that learning and those amazing connections with young people led me to create something really special: a method for having purposeful conversations. It is all about helping young people discover their authentic selves and feel confident being who they are. This method became a series of books, complete with a manual and lots of helpful resources like neurodiversity awareness cards, communication cards, and neurodivergent prompts.

The Tangram Method is an innovative approach inspired by the ancient puzzle and shaped by the voices of neurodivergent young people. This transformative series offers a practical framework for meaningful conversations that unlock deeper understanding, raise self-awareness, and encourage unmasking autism.

This work is more than just a project for me, it is a piece of my heart. It is personal because it reflects my own family’s journey, and it is professional because it is the result of years of working with amazing young people. I truly hope it helps others build those important double empathy bridges, so we can all understand and appreciate each other’s unique ways of being. It is all about celebrating differences and creating a world where everyone feels like they belong.

Through engaging stories and practical insights, you will discover the seven key principles that form the foundation of the Tangram Method, each represented by a unique character inspired by a real neurodivergent young person.

This book is for:
* Educators, therapists, and social workers working with young people across various settings.
* Parents and caregivers seeking to better understand and support their children.
* Anyone passionate about neurodiversity awareness.