Embracing Neurodiversity

Years ago, during my clinical psychology training, I developed a deep knowing that the traditional ways of working with autistic young people conflicted with my values and lived experience. I knew I wanted to approach client work differently, but without a framework, I found myself piecing together principles and ideas without a definitive guide.

I knew what I wanted to achieve, but I wasn’t sure how to adapt my clinical skills, or what truly respectful and effective support for autistic young people looked like in practice.

My personal and professional values are such that I considered myself naturally affirming and inclusive, but I lacked the clarity that comes with having a framework to guide my thinking and inform my practice. Moments of uncertainty or confusion fired up my imposter syndrome, and had me questioning whether it was really possible to balance medical-model-best-practice with human rights principles.

Safety has always been highest priority in my client work. Objective safety, of course, but the felt sense of safety, specifically. Having spent so much of my own childhood in a state fight or flight (or more often, fawn), I knew that establishing safety was the foundation for all meaningful work. Over years of supporting autistic young people, I found that while I could easily create safety in the space I held for clients, it was not enough. The environments and relationships they returned to after our hour together lacked the knowledge and skills to offer the same safety. For many, the systems in place to nurture and educate them were, in some way, the trigger for their internal alarm. 

I tend to think in patterns and systems - it’s just how my neurodivergent brain works. I also collect information. I saw a very clear pattern within the experiences of my young clients, and over time, I found that, by taking a systematic approach to my work, safety was more easily available to them outside the therapy room. I found that there was a lot of information that, when shared with the adults caring for autistic young people, helped them understanding and support the kids in their care. It wasn’t always the same information – each child is unique, of course. But there were broad concepts, themes, and wisdoms that ran through the most valuable pieces of information. 

Fast forward to today, and the Safe House Framework® is the system. The most helpful information is all inside program, along with a clear guide for adapting it to suit the skill set of each individual clinician, and the needs of each individual young person. 

Beyond the framework, the program is designed to facilitate a paradigm shift. A shift that is, before all else, a deeply personal process. Change that starts within and ripples out. Inner work that requires a foundation of self-compassion, open-mindedness, and curiosity. A transformation that is equal parts personal and professional development. 

Big change requires a collective shift. I wholeheartedly want to support the solo clinicians doing the work, and I know how powerful it is to do the work within an aligned community, and even more so with the support of a leader who is committed to facilitating change at a systems level.

That’s why I designed The Safe House Framework® Leadership Roadmap. It’s a high-level implementation guide and mentorship program for leaders committed to guiding their team through the often-disorienting shift in paradigm, where the old, familiar ways of thinking about autism no longer fit. It’s about creating a culture where safety isn’t just a concept, but a lived reality—inside your organisation and beyond. 

Balancing current best practices with human rights principles is not always easy. The roadmap is designed for daring leaders who are willing to engage in messy thinking and courageous conversations when called to do so, and who understand that a paradigm shift takes time. The Safe House Framework® Leadership Roadmap is a 12 month program. I will provide everything: education and regular support for you and every one of your team members, implementation guides, and a clearly defined roadmap, so you can focus on bringing neuro-affirming practices to life within your team and organisation. 

Are you a daring leader? If so, drop me a line! Let’s chat.