Embedded Files
I choose to draw on the work of professionals such as Kristy Forbes, Casey Ehrlich and Emily Hammond (NeuroWild) because of their deeply respectful, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming approaches. These leaders all bring lived experience of neurodiversity, offering honest, compassionate, and insightful perspectives that resonate with both parents and professionals.
Kristy Forbes and Casey Ehrlich provide a unique blend of personal understanding and professional expertise, including neuroscience-based insights on experiences of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Their work supports families in navigating the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children, which often looks different from traditional approaches and can leave parents feeling isolated or judged.
Emily Hammond of NeuroWild offers beautifully illustrated, neuroaffirming resources that reflect her lived experience as a neurodivergent woman and mother. Her work offers a voice of her personal experiences and those of her parenting neurodivergent children. Emily promotes understanding, regulation, and connection in a way that is accessible and respectful.
Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model aligns closely with my collaborative skill development. He emphasises working with children to build lagging skills, rather than focusing on diagnoses, and reminds us that “kids do well, when they can.” His work provides practical strategies for educators and families to shift perspectives and create supportive environments that foster growth.
These trusted voices remind me daily of the importance of seeing behaviour as communication, supporting children with compassion, and viewing challenges as opportunities for connection and learning.
Dr. Casey Ehrlich Ph.D.
Dr. Casey Ehrlich Ph.D.
At Peace Parents – Dr. Casey Ehrlich (Personal lived experience)
Dr. Casey Ehrlich is a coach and educator supporting parents of children with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile. She offers compassionate, research-informed guidance to help families build trust, connection, and harmony.
Resources: Free and paid options available.
Kristy Forbes
Kristy Forbes
Intune Pathways – Kristy Forbes (Personal lived experience)
Kristy Forbes is an autistic educator and advocate specialising in PDA, trauma-informed support, and neurodivergent identity. Drawing from her lived experience and professional background in education and behavioural support, Kristy offers affirming programs, consultation, and training for families and professionals.
Resources: Programs, webinars, supervision, and written content – free and paid.
Emily Hammond
Emily Hammond
NeuroWild – Emily Hammond (Personal lived experience)
Speech pathologist Emily Hammond (Em) is the creative force behind NeuroWild. As an Autistic and ADHD professional and parent, she creates engaging digital content and illustrations that celebrate and explain the neurodivergent experience in accessible ways.
Resources: Wide range of free and paid digital resources.
Dr. Ross Greene Ph.D.
Dr. Ross Greene Ph.D.
Lives in the Balance – Dr. Ross Greene
Created by clinical psychologist Dr. Ross Greene, the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model focuses on helping children by identifying lagging skills rather than using diagnoses. The approach encourages empathy, problem-solving, and reduced conflict through collaboration.
Resources: Books, videos, and guides – free and paid.
Resource List
Resource List
Resources
Autism
Autism for Girls
Yellow Lady Bugs
Yellow Ladybugs is a parent run friendship group for young girls with Autism / Aspergers, creating fun social events. A Non-Profit Organization. Located in Melbourne, in the state of Victoria and supporting events in Australia.
Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs.
Neurowild
Em is a sparkly AuDHDer, Speech Pathologist, Mum to three ND kiddos, artist and illustrator.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087870753308
https://www.instagram.com/neurowild_/?hl=en
Amaze (Formely Autism Australia)
Representing individuals and their families who are on the Autism Spectrum, in the state of Victoria. Includes information on Helping Children With Autism (HCWA) Package.
Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) under Medicare
Includes information about Medicare Australia and the Helping Children With Autism Access Plan.
https://www.autismawareness.com.au/navigating-autism/medicare-and-other-funding-for-autism
Different Journeys
Different Journeys
Earlier this year Different Journeys partnered with the Academy of Information Technology (AIT) to run a course specifically for our group.
https://www.differentjourneysautism.com/
PDA
Kristy Forbes
Kristy Forbes is a pioneering advocate & educator for Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Autistic identity and culture; offering trauma-informed, non judgmental, affirming education & support for individuals, parents and carers.
https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/
At Peace Parents
Casey Ehrlich, Ph.D., is a coach and educator for parents making a positive paradigm shift in raising their Pathologically Demand Avoidant (PDA) Autistic children. Deepening connection, trust, and harmony in the home. With life experience.
https://www.atpeaceparents.com/
(Bottom of page links)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP92MJiCpuWTpgtOaFty2Cw
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=at%20peace%20parents
Home Education
Information, resources, and memberships
https://www.vic.gov.au/home-schooling
Home Schooling in the South East Melbourne
https://www2.vrqa.vic.gov.au/access-support-and-resources-home-education
Apraxia/Dyspraxia
Education, support and communication
https://www.facebook.com/ApraxiaKIDS
https://www.apraxia-kids.org/virtual-education-series/
Jordan Le Van, My Journey with Apraxia
Dyslexia (reading and spelling support/programs)
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called a reading disability, dyslexia is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dyslexiavictoriasupport/
https://dyslexiavictoriasupport.com/
https://www.udemy.com/course/help-your-child-to-read-and-write/
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/short-courses/the-science-of-language-and-reading-an-introduction
Mental Health
Mens Line Australia
Mens Line Australia
Mens Line Australia is a professional support service for men. They offer support and information via telephone 24/7 and online.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline
A support service for young people aged 5-25 years. Support is via telephone 24/7, email and online. Includes fun activities for children on the website. A not for profit organisation within Australia.
A support service for young people aged 5-25 years. Support is via telephone 24/7, email and online. Includes fun activities for children on the website. A not for profit organisation within Australia.
Life Line
Offers crisis support and suicide prevention. A not for profit organisation providing support services via telephone 24/7 and online. Crisis support services and center's are located in each state of Australia.
Beyond Blue
Working to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community. A not for profit organisation offering a support service via telephone 24/7, web chat and email throughout Australia.
Black Dog Institute
Specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder. A not for profit organisation located in Randwick, in the state of NSW.
Speech Therapy
Speech Pathology Australia
Speech Pathology Australia is the national peak body for the speech pathology profession in Australia representing more than 15,000 members. Find a Speech pathologists.
https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/
Speech Dude
Chris Wenger I'm an enthusiastic, neuordivergent high school SLP and internationally-acclaimed presenter who’s on a mission to improve the way we assess our autistic kids.
Stephanie Crawford and Associates Speech Pathology
Stephanie Crawford and Associates Speech Pathology
A Speech Pathology team providing services to children, adolescents and adults. In addition to the clinic setting, also offering services at home, school and kinder, subject to availability. Located in Box Hill, in the state of Victoria.
A Speech Pathology team providing services to children, adolescents and adults. In addition to the clinic setting, also offering services at home, school and kinder, subject to availability. Located in Box Hill, in the state of Victoria.
Occupation Therapy
Occupation Therapist Australia
Finding and working with Occupation Therapists.
https://www.ahpa.com.au/allied-health-1
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia Inc.
Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia Inc.
The Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia Inc. assists people with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and associated disorders. A Non-Profit Organization. Located in Maroubra, in the state of New South Wales.
LGBTQIA+ Support
Transcend Australia
A national community-led organization providing family and peer support services, education, resources, and advocacy programs that aims to improve health outcomes for trans young people.
info@transcend.org.au
Rainbow Door
A Victorian service that provides support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people.
https://www.rainbowdoor.org.au/
QLife
A national service that provides peer support and counselling for LGBTQ+ people.
https://www.qlife.org.au/
Thorne Harbour Health
A Victorian health service that provides services for transgender and gender diverse people, including general health, sexual health, mental health support, hormone management, vaccinations, and more.
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Provides information and resources on LGBTQ+ issues and discrimination.
https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/
Youth Support
Orygen
Orygen
A mental health organization that provides resources and training on mental health care. Orygen’s vision is for all young people to enjoy optimal mental health as they grow into adulthood.
A mental health organization that provides resources and training on mental health care. Orygen’s vision is for all young people to enjoy optimal mental health as they grow into adulthood.
Animal support/therapy
Lead The Way
Lead the Way, based in Melbourne, Victoria, is an organisation dedicated to providing high quality clinical services to those in need, and training fellow professionals in the art and science of delivering Animal-Assisted Interventions.
Lead the Way, based in Melbourne, Victoria, is an organisation dedicated to providing high quality clinical services to those in need, and training fellow professionals in the art and science of delivering Animal-Assisted Interventions.
Canine Comprehension
Canine Comprehension
At Canine Comprehension, we understand dogs' incredible power to engage and connect with people, which is well-documented. Our animal-assisted interventions are designed to make a positive impact in various areas. We can improve behavioural issues, enhance emotional well-being, alleviate anxiety related to learning difficulties, and provide crucial support for young individuals on the autism spectrum. Additionally, we are here to lend a helping hand to students who require extra support to unlock their full potential in education.
www.caninecomprehension.com.au/
Guide Dogs Victoria
Guide Dog breeding, Puppy Raising and training programs as well as Guide Dog and other mobility services for people who are blind or have a vision impairment. Located in Kew, Victoria. A part of the National Association, Guide Dogs Australia.
https://www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Group
Cerebral Palsy Group is an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, birth injuries, or brain injuries. Our team was created so we can provide answers and all types of assistance needed to help improve the quality of life for loved ones and family members with cerebral palsy.
https://cerebralpalsygroup.com/treatment/therapy/
Interchange Outer East
IOE is committed to delivering services which create opportunities and offer choice. Programs and services are offered to children and young people with disabilities, and their families living in the outer east of Melbourne. Children’s Services 0-18 years may include programs and services for autistic teens. Located in Ferntree Gully, in the state of Victoria.
Phone: (03) 9758 5522
Fax: (03) 9758 5899
Email: ioe@ioe.org.au
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