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I operate under the principle that different  ≠  disordered. The concept of neurodiversity recognises that there is no single 'right' way of thinking, feeling, perceiving or existing.

Here is some language you may find useful:

Neurodiverse - used to describe a group of 2 or more people who have different neurotypes to one another. Remember that an individual cannot be neurodiverse, only a group can.

Neurodivergent - used to describe an individual who has a different neurotype from the majority.

Autistic - an accurate label for many neurodivergent individuals. It is not an insult. It is an adjective that describes a neurotype. I use this term as opposed to ASD because I believe being autistic does not mean an individual is disordered, defective or in need of 'fixing'. I also use it instead of 'on the spectrum'. Autistic is not a dirty word!

Identity First Language (IFL) - the majority of the neurodivergent community (often between 70-90% depending on the survey used) prefers "autistic person" as opposed to Person First Language (PFL) such as "person with autism". Why? Because a different neurotype is not a disease, therefore people are not "with autism", they *are* autistic. It's their neurotype; their brain. It's literally who they are and how they experience and interact with the world. To speak of autism as though it is something separate implies that it is negative by separating it from the person when in reality this is inaccurate and quite simply impossible.

My name is Charnee. I am a late-diagnosed (diagnosed in adulthood) neurodivergent adult, although I self-identified years before my diagnosis!

I am a parent to 3 incredible neurodivergent children. I have a teaching background with extensive experience in primary schools.

Like many, my identification as a neurodivergent individual was a journey initiated by becoming a parent. After my eldest son was identified as neurodivergent, I realised that I share many of his traits. I also recall feeling undeniably but indescribably different to everyone else from a very young age. Although I could never put my finger on it, I knew from early childhood that my experiences were not the same as other people's. Being identified as neurodivergent in adulthood had me sobbing with relief to finally gain an understanding of why I'm different from many others. It answered questions I never even knew how to ask. It validated every experience I've ever had. It challenged my perception of what being neurodivergent meant. It helped me strengthen my relationships with my children and partner by learning how to adjust our approach and accommodate one another appropriately. 

I have undertaken further study to explore neurodiversity and have immersed myself in ND communities to broaden my experience and perspective.

I am passionate about normalising neurodivergent perspectives, and I'm so happy you found your way here.

I offer my services online Australia-wide via video chat and email correspondence, and in person in the beautiful Blue Mountains in NSW.

I am available for services including:

- Support and guidance around strategies to nurture neurodivergent children and young people;

- One to one coaching and support for neurodivergent individuals of all ages;

- Support with IEP goals and advocacy in the school setting, including knowing your child's rights and how to request appropriate accommodations;

- Trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming behaviour support (with the understanding that behaviour is communication);

- Group workshops for parents, extended family members and community groups;

- Professional Learning about neurodiversity-affirming practices for teachers, support staff, allied health professionals, medical professionals, first responders/emergency service professionals.

My services can be claimed using NDIS funding by self-managed and plan-managed participants.

Contact me for a free chat to discuss how I can support you.