DW Tutoring educational philosophy image with colourful brains representing key learning concepts and neurodiversity support.

Tutoring and Academic Support Services

David smiling  in dress clothes, vest and tie surrounded by scientific equipment
DW Tutoring at Brisbane pride with peacock attire representing diversity, inclusion, and neurodiversity in education.
DW Tutoring’s dinosaur-themed lesson, making science engaging for neurodiverse students.

If you or your child needs help with homework, assignments, exam preparation, or just a confidence and motivation boost at school, I can help!

As I was a student with disabilities myself, I have a great deal of empathy, compassion and understanding for my students.

DW Tutoring logo: Compassion, empathy, and insight for neurodiverse learners in Queensland.

Benefits of Private Tutoring

Two pelicans standing next to each other. The one on the right is preening the other.

Individual Attention

The classroom environment in schools and academia can occasionally cause students to fall through the cracks.

Private tutoring allows you or your child to be the sole focus.

This enables alternative teaching practices to give students the time and attention they need to succeed.

However, small group sessions can be organised on request.

Group of piglets in straw, some pink, some brown and some white

Safety & Easy Access

I was awarded a Blue Card via the Queensland government’s Working with Children check.

The Blue Card system is much more than a police check. It also continuously tracks disciplinary actions, allegations, and other information.

Tutoring can occur in the student’s home, library, or cafe!

I am always happy to accommodate whatever best supports the student's needs.

Life Long Learning

I am passionate about empowering you and your children with the skills they need to embark on a lifelong learning journey!

How do I achieve this?


By nurturing analytical thinking through engaging and positive methods, they will blossom into independent thinkers who will excel in their chosen career.

As Maimonides said: “Teach thy tongue to say ‘I do not know,’ and thou shalt progress.”

Meet the Founder

David Wakeham

A person in a striped shirt asks David about his genome sequencing poster. David, wearing a top hat and spotted shirt, stands by a light purple poster featuring phylogenetic trees and various scientific diagrams.

David, a multiply disabled and neurodivergent educator, is deeply committed to inclusive education. Their unique blend of qualifications, including a PhD (ABD) in veterinary sciences and bioinformatics and their pursuit of a Master of Education in Indigenous pedagogies, innovative learning, & inclusive strategies for students with learning difficulties, enables them to create accessible learning environments that cater to diverse needs.

Their approach blends scientific rigour with creative teaching methods. They support neurodiverse and disabled students from the foundation to the postgraduate level. Drawing on their interests in science, the arts, and literature, they foster an engaging educational experience that encourages lifelong curiosity.

DW Tutoring founder David volunteering overseas, participating in animal rescue projects, demonstrating hands-on STEM learning.

Real Stories, Real Progress

  • A Primary School Parent's Story

    “...it was so nice to see him enthusiastic about learning again. He’s had a really tough year with a teacher that’s been a bully and caused him so much stress so this is really great for him thank you – it’s so appreciated.”

  • From a High School Parent:

    “I was most surprised at how she reacted to getting a ‘wrong’ answer. This would usually result in books being thrown or pages being torn... She said you are the best teacher she’s ever had.”

  • On Finding the Right Support for Neurodiversity

    “David is a fantastic tutor, taking the time to bond with my son, and incorporating lots of fun activity’s to encourage learning. My son is engaged during his tutoring and I believe it is because of David’s ability to connect with him.”

Q & A

Why should clients choose you?

As a disabled and neurodivergent individual, I bring a unique perspective to tutoring. Having navigated adult education and university with disabilities, I deeply understand the challenges many students face. This experience, combined with my empathy, patience, and tailored teaching approach, ensures every student feels supported and empowered to succeed.

What makes DW Tutoring different from other services?

DW Tutoring specialises in working with neurodiverse and disabled students. My approach focuses on understanding each student’s unique needs and adapting teaching methods accordingly. By fostering a supportive environment, I aim to build not only academic skills but also confidence and lifelong learning habits.

What do you love most about tutoring?
I love witnessing a student’s confidence blossom. Their excitement and motivation grow as they overcome challenges in subjects they once struggled with. It’s a privilege to help them discover their potential and love learning.

Four digital illustrations of an animated puppy cooking in a kitchen. The puppy is shown reading a recipe book, mixing ingredients, putting a cake in the oven, and finally enjoying a slice of red velvet cake.
A collage of nine photos showing various guinea pigs in different settings. The guinea pigs are shown eating vegetables, being held, and relaxing in their enclosures. They display different coat colours including white, brown, and black.
A spiral notebook page showing anatomical notes about the fetlock joint, including a numbered list of bones and tendons on the left, and a corresponding anatomical diagram on the right with colour-coded structures.
Company logo illustration of tree with brain-shaped leaves titled "Compassion, Empathy & Insight DW Tutoring" tan background

How do you tailor your sessions for neurodiverse or disabled students?

I use personalised teaching strategies that align with each student’s Personality, Strengths, challenges, and interests. By breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps and incorporating creative techniques like storytelling and visual aids, I aim to make learning engaging and accessible for every student.

What qualifications do you have?

I hold a PhD in veterinary microbiology, epidemiology, and bioinformatics, along with over 15 years of combined experience in secondary and tertiary education, as well as program leadership. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Education, specialising in Indigenous Pedagogies, Innovative Learning, and Inclusive Strategies for Students with Learning Difficulties. This combination of academic expertise and practical experience enables me to support students effectively at all levels.

Do you offer trial sessions?

Yes! I offer a complimentary preliminary assessment session, where the student can meet with me in a location of their choice. During this session, we will discuss their background, goals, and needs to ensure we are a good match before proceeding.

What are your core values as a tutor?
At DW Tutoring, my core values are compassion, empathy, inclusivity, and insight—principles that influence every part of my teaching. Guided by the DW-CONNECT framework (Decolonising & Whole-child, Culturally Oriented, Neurodiversity-Nurturing, Empowering Classroom Teaching), I believe that every learner deserves to feel respected, understood, and inspired.

I focus on building genuine relationships and trust, recognising that connection is more important than just content. My approach is strengths-based, celebrating each student’s unique abilities, cultural background, and learning style. I am dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and adaptable environment where neurodivergent and disabled students can flourish.

I incorporate Universal Design for Learning, trauma-informed practices, and cultural responsiveness into every session, ensuring lessons are accessible, engaging, and meaningful. Mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth—progress is always more important than perfection. I value collaboration, involving students, families, and community where possible, and I continually reflect on and adjust my teaching to meet changing needs.

Ultimately, my aim is to empower every student to become confident, curious, and lifelong learners, equipped with the skills and self-belief to succeed both academically and personally.

Our Services

  • A stack of textbooks representing DW Tutoring’s academic support for STEM, English, and research skills.

    Academic Services

    Personalised Tutoring Services

    Standard K-12 Tutoring (English, Literature, HASS, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics)

    Specialised University Tutoring (Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Animal Health, Genetics, Statistics)

    High school Editing & Proofreading

    Small group sessions available by special request

  • Person in blue shirt working on computer with code on monitors in dark office

    Research Support

    Statistical Analysis

    Study Design Consultation

    Ethics Applications Assistance


    Academic Editing and Proofreading

    Specialist advice in animal science, veterinary microbiology, epidemiology and research

  • Interlocking blue and tan puzzle pieces symbolise how each DW Tutoring client is unique and essential, reflecting our belief that everyone plays a vital role in an inclusive, collaborative world, each individual’s strengths complete the big picture.

    Support Services

    NDIS Services

    Peer Mentoring 

    Life Transition Planning

    Skill Development Training

    Public Transport Training

    Self-Care Support

DW Tutoring Blog

  • Executive function poster used by DW Tutoring to support students with ADHD and learning differences.

    Neurodiversity and Executive Function

    This blog post explores how tailored support, like personalised tutoring and sensory integration, can empower neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, by enhancing executive function skills.

  • A person searches through the rubble in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for compassion, understanding, and insight, values at the heart of DW Tutoring’s philosophy across all areas, from education to humanitarian aid and social responsibility.

    Diffusion of Responsibility

    The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has left many feeling helpless and overwhelmed, with the UN reporting that Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children as the death toll surpasses 10,000. This situation brings to light a critical sociopsychological phenomenon known as the diffusion of responsibility.

  • A stack of textbooks symbolising the founder's own  personal journey from overcoming challenges to embracing higher education, literature, and inspiring others through tutoring and a love of learning.

    If I wasn’t a scientist, I’d have studied literature

    Discover how one person overcame personal challenges to pursue higher education and their mission to inspire others through literature and tutoring.

  • A detailed illustration of a honeybee, featured in a DW Tutoring blog post analysing the themes of confinement and power in Sylvia Plath's poem, 'The Arrival of the Bee Box'.

    An analysis of Sylvia Plath’s “The Arrival of the Bee Box”

    Explore a unique analysis of Sylvia Plath's The Arrival of the Bee Box, uncovering its political undertones and literary techniques beyond autobiographical readings.

  • Two slender, pinkish-brown mushrooms on thin stems against a dark background. This image is featured in a DW Tutoring blog post analysing themes of quiet agency and growth in Sylvia Plath's poem, 'Mushrooms'.

    Critique/analysis of Sylvia Plath’s ‘Mushrooms”

    Description goes hereExplore Sylvia Plath's 'Mushrooms' poem, analysing its themes of women's rights and childbirth through masterful literary techniques and symbolism.

  • Original illuminated calligraphy of "To His Coy Mistress" with 24ct gold leaf, for a DW Tutoring analysis of the poem's themes of time and desire through feminist and LGBTQIA+ perspectives.

    Time, Desire, and Rhetoric: A Multifaceted Analysis of Andrew Marvell’s ‘To His Coy Mistress’

    Examine Andrew Marvell's 'To His Coy Mistress' through literary analysis, feminist critique, and LGBTQIA perspectives in this thorough review.

  • A powerful photograph by Musa Al-Shaer/AFP shows a small Palestinian child confronting a large military tank, illustrating a modern David and Goliath dynamic. This image supports a DW Tutoring article on toxic positivity, diffusion of responsibility,

    Slaying Goliath: Why Toxic Positivity and Inspiration Porn Need a Reality Check

    Explore the complexities of disability experiences, the pitfalls of oversimplification, and the power of collective action in challenging institutional biases.

Follow us on social

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!