Neurodiversity

ADHD Foundation Australia Helpline is a national service offering ADHD information and recommendations for ADHD assessment and or ADHD Diagnosis. The ADHD Helpline counsellors can help you find the ADHD resources that you need. Call 1300 39 39 19

Autism Connect is a free, national autism helpline, providing independent and expert information over phone, email and webchat. It supports Autistic people, their families and carers, health professionals, researchers, teachers, employers and the broader community. Call 1300 308 699

Disability Advocacy Support Helpline (DASH) This service will provide 3 free 1hr sessions over the phone. Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm. Call 1800 643 787

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a natural variation in the way the brain processes information. This means children and teenagers with ADHD experience, understand and interact with the world in particular ways. More here.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a natural variation in the way the brain develops and the way it processes information. This means that autistic children experience, understand and interact with the world in particular ways. More here.

Bipolar disorder (once called manic depression) causes people to experience extreme changes in mood, thinking, energy and behaviour.  More here.

Boarderline Personality Disorder (BPD) People with borderline personality disorder have challenges managing their emotions and impulses. They can also have unstable feelings about who they are, and their relationships. More here.

Dyspraxia is a developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a developmental disorder that causes problems with movement and coordination. More here.

Dyslexia is a natural variation in the way the brain processes language. This variation means that children with dyslexia have serious difficulties with reading and spelling. More here.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is when obsessions or compulsions don’t go away, are distressing and interfere with daily life. More here.

Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) Children with ODD have angry moods and defiant behaviour that upsets others and gets them in constant trouble. More here.

Psychosis impacts a person's sense of what is real and what isn't. This could be because of hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or sensing something that doesn’t exist) or delusions (false beliefs that the person believes are true or real). More here.

These EPIC Neurodiverse descriptions come from raisingchildren.net.au A-Z health reference and SANE Fact Sheets and Guides

Helping Your Child Feel Safe

Understanding aggression and emotional outbursts in neurodivergent young people

What looks like aggression is often a sign your child is overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to process what’s happening around them. For autistic and ADHD young people, big emotions can build quietly throughout the day and come out safely at home — often as explosive behaviour.

What Might Be Going On:

• Sensory overload (too loud, bright, busy)
• Trouble understanding instructions or social cues
• Emotional exhaustion from “masking” all day
• Impulsivity or difficulty regulating emotions

In the Moment, Try:

• Speak gently and slowly
• Give them space to calm
• Use positive, reassuring language (“You’re safe”)
• Help them name what they’re feeling
• Avoid threats or restraint — focus on safety and connection

What Helps Long-Term:

• Build in calming routines
• Use sensory tools (like stress balls or movement breaks)
• Support emotional language and self-awareness
• Break down communication into simple, visual steps

Many neurodivergent kids feel deeply — they may seem unempathetic or reactive, but they often care too much and don’t know how to show it under stress.

You’re not alone. Your calm presence matters more than you know. Connect with EPIC for emotional support, strategies and hindsight from those who have experienced similar situations.

Based on insights from "Autism/ADHD: Understanding Aggressive Behaviours" by Barb Cook, M.Aut., Dip.HSc.

neurodiversityhub.com | barbcook.com.au

ADHD Foundation The ADHD Foundation Australia exists to empower and enhance the lives of those living with ADHD and related conditions through practical, individualised support. Our team of dedicated professionals provides compassionate, no-nonsense services that make a real difference for individuals, families, and communities.

ADHD Support Australia is your guide to everything ADHD.

Action Advocacy provides independent advocacy for people with disability in the Northern Region of Sydney. They help you know your rights, uphold your rights and help you access the services and supports you need.

Amaze is a leading autism organisation driving change so that Autistic people and their families can live their best lives.  

Australian Dislexia Association (ADA) is concerned with the well being, identification and educational intervention and instruction of all who struggle with aspects of spoken and written language.

Autism Awareness Australia has a goal to improve the lives of all Australians on the autism spectrum and the families who love them.

CMcare - Northern Beaches Disability Support Service Our primary services encompass 1:1 Support, Experiences, Empower Living, and Munchkins, each comprising various elements to cater to diverse needs. CMcare initially commenced with a sole focus on 1:1 support, and as our team expanded, so did our offerings. CMcare is reshaping disability support through inclusivity, positivity and personalised care. We empower individuals to lead life on their terms, fostering a dynamic community driven by compassion and innovation.

DSF (Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation) provides advice and support to families and educators on successful literacy acquisition, evidence-based practice, and the strategies most likely to improve literacy outcomes for all students. Our role includes supporting and advising students, adults and families directly, as well as indirectly through the support and advice provided at a school or employment level.

Emerging Minds Understanding what child mental health is and what shapes it is the first step in supporting your children’s wellbeing, now and into the future.

National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder Australia (NEABPD-Australia)is committed to shining the light of hope on BPD in Australia by providing the latest global research and information, so that knowledge can lead to increased understanding, compassion, recovery and raise public awareness.

Positive Partnerships provide informatikon to parents, carers and educators of school-aged autistic children and provide workshops, resources and more.

ADHD Foundation The ADHD Foundation Australia exists to empower and enhance the lives of those living with ADHD and related conditions through practical, individualised support. Our team of dedicated professionals provides compassionate, no-nonsense services that make a real difference for individuals, families, and communities.

ADHD Support Australia is your guide to everything ADHD.

Amaze is a leading autism organisation driving change so that Autistic people and their families can live their best lives. 

Attwood & Garnett Events, founded by Professor Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett as part of their vision to expand awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism amongst parents, professionals and the broader community.

Australian Institute of Family Studies - Supporting neurodivergent children and young people article. These three short resources offer practical guidance on using inclusive language, understanding sensory processing, and supporting neurocognitive functioning. By acknowledging the importance of affirming language and lived experience, they aim to improve neurodivergence literacy, promote inclusive practice, and support informed, respectful conversations. This work is funded by the Department of Social Services.

Australian Institute of Family Studies - Understanding why some Austistic Children use potentially harmful behaviours.This practice guide summarises the research evidence about the use of potentially harmful behaviours (PHB) by Autistic children. It also draws on practice wisdom and expertise to highlight examples of situations where Autistic children may use PHB to communicate unmet needs related to common types of neurodevelopmental differences.

Developmental Coordination Disorder Australia Inc works to improve the lives of children, adults and families affected by DCD. We advocate for access to services and support; facilitate peer support; raise awareness; and support and educate professionals and the community.

raisingchildren.net.au Neurodiversity and neurodivergence: a guide for families. Suitable for 0-18 years.

ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus In this YouTube episode, Andrew Huberman discusses ADHD: what it is, the common myths, and the biology and psychology of ADHD

Barb Cook, Best-Selling Author, International Speaker, Registered Developmental Educator, NeuroDiversity in Employment Specialist. This link takes you to Barb Cook’s podcasts and videos.

An Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People. It may be very confronting. Please take care when listening. Love, Hugh. This recording is by a parent of a young person with an autism diagnosis. It is a heart wrenching but helpful, kind, informative video by Hugh van Cullenberg, from the Imperfects Podcast.

The Causes & Treatments for Autism In this YouTube episode, Andrew Huberman talks with Dr Karen Parker about our current understanding of autism and autism spectrum disorders. 2 hours!

The Imperfects. We’re all imperfect. On this podcast, founder of the Resilience Project Hugh van Cuylenburg, his good friend Ryan Shelton, and only one of their brothers, Jush van Cuylenburg, talks to a variety of interesting people who vulnerably share their own struggles and imperfections, or expertly pass on their wisdom on the subject of imperfection.

Amaze support groups information page for families caring for someone with autism.

BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) Community. A Victoria based organisation, BPD Community exists to help ease that sense of isolation and replace it with a supportive community of like minded people who understand the challenges of BPD. It replaces the stigma and discrimination that exists with hope and optimism. If you are you a parent, partner, sibling or friend of someone with BPD? You are not alone! The group meets online on the third Tuesday of each month.

Borderline Personality Disorder / EUPD - Parents & Carers Australia. This is a strictly private Facebook group for parents and direct carers of children/teens/young adults with Borderline Personality Disorder (also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder). At this stage, I'm setting an 'age cut off' of 30 to keep the group focused. The group is for people living in Australia.

EPIC Walks and EPIC Online Meet Ups are a safe space for parents caring for young people to connect, share, learn.

Love, Support For Ryde & surrounds Neuro diverse Kids & Teens Is a private Facebook group made for support of children with neuro diversity.

Square Peg Round Whole This is a private Facebook group associated with the podcast Square Peg Round Whole. A place where we can discuss podcast episodes and associated issues related to diversity and inclusion.

Yellow Ladybugs - New South Wales is an online Facebook community for parents/carers of autistic girls and gender diverse young people, and for autistic women* and gender diverse individuals. We provide a safe, inclusive and non-judgmental space to share information, seek support and offer positive and constructive solutions to specific challenges.