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7 Steps to Supporting Neurodivergent Young People
and why SAFETY is the essence of neuro-affirming care
Welcome
My name is Valli, and I'm an autistic clinical psychologist.
My mission is to reduce the level of anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidality experienced by autistic young people by advocating for a deeper societal understanding of autism, and access to the right supports and accommodations.
With this aim in mind, I have designed a set of programs to help the adults who care for autistic kids - health professionals, educators, parents, and families - to truly understand what it means to be neurodivergent, and to skilfully support the kids in their life with kindness, compassion, and respect.
You can find out all about them at my online school.
The problem
According to recent estimates, 1 in every 25 Australian young people is autistic.
The sad reality is that the overwhelming majority of autistic young people experience anxiety that significantly reduces their quality of life.
Many are suffering with depression, burnout, and suicidality.
At school they are struggling to learn and connect with peers.
Some are disengaged, or unable to go to school at all.
Parents feel lost and helpless.
Schools are struggling to meet the needs of neurodivergent students.
The solution
As a society, we need to change the way we're doing things.
The autistic community have been advocating for a very long time for there to be a shift in society's understanding of autism.
A move towards a kinder, more respectful healthcare system… education system… and society in general.
Neurodiversity Affirming Support
Someone who is affirming views autism as a difference, not a deficit.
Affirming supports are sensitive to the needs of the child, and address the problems caused by a poor fit between the child and their environment.
How Do We Deliver Them?
The Safe House Framework is a systematic approach to identifying and removing the barriers the child is faced with day to day, and providing the understanding, accommodations, and human to human support they need to feel safe in the world, so they can learn, connect, and thrive.
What is The Safe House Framework®?
It's a simple, yet powerful framework for neuro-affirming practices.
There are four programs.
Parents - available now
Health Professionals - available now
Educators (starting Jan 2025)
Support Workers (starting Feb 2025)
How will The Safe House Framework® program help me?
It will give you a deep and nuanced understanding of autism through the lens of the neurodiversity paradigm,
and a step by step guide to the affirming approach to supporting autistic children and young people.
By the end of the program you will be equipped with the mindset, knowledge, skills, and tools to change the trajectory for the autistic young people in your life.
Here's why I believe safety is the essence of neurodiversity affirming care
Take the next step
Choose the option that best describes your role in the lives of neurodivergent young people.
It takes a village, let's work together!
HAVE YOU GOT THE QUICK GUIDE?
7 Steps to Supporting Neurodivergent Young People
and why SAFETY is the essence of neuro-affirming care
Embracing Neurodiversity acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, learn, work, and play, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters, and their extended communities throughout South East Queensland.