With disability advocates, current research and practice guidelines for neurodivergent people indicating that using a neurodiversity-affirming approach is morally imperative, more opportunities for all members of the community are needed to support the success and quality of life for neurodivergent children at home, therapy clinics, educational settings and the wider community across the lifespan. Claire Britton will provide a presentation to teach the basics of utilising this framework in a practical manner that gives the attendees practical tools and strategies to implement and trial as soon as possible. 

Objectives 

There is a spectrum of parenting program approaches, ranging from behaviorist programs focused on prescribing techniques and strategies to those aimed at cultivating social and emotional development in families. In working with traumatised parents and children, particularly those who also face neurodivergence, our experience in training parenting facilitators and running Bringing Up Great Kids parent groups has shown that increasing parents’ reflective capacity is key to transformative change. While strategies and techniques can be helpful in specific encounters, the complexity of trauma, especially when coupled with neurodiversity, demands an approach that cultivates parents’ ability to reflect on their children’s needs, their own responses, and the dynamic, evolving nature of their family situation.

Trauma is inherently diverse, and when neurodiversity is also present, the diversity becomes even greater. It is crucial, then, not to rely on a one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, we support parents to develop reflective capacities that empower them to adapt to their unique and changing circumstances. Families affected by trauma and neurodiversity experience fluid situations shaped by various factors over time. By helping parents build their reflective capacity, we enable them to find their own way of responding to each challenge, facilitating long-term growth and resilience in their families.

This presentation will explore how increasing reflective capacity can shift practice from relying on pre-set strategies to fostering deeper, more adaptive responses in traumatised families. It will provide insights into how this approach creates lasting, transformative change for parents and children dealing with the complex intersection of trauma and neurodiversity.

As a neurodiverse Aboriginal woman living with the compounded weight of generational trauma, my journey through leadership is both a challenge and a testament to resilience. This paper explores the intersection of neurodiversity, cultural heritage, and trauma, and how these elements shape leadership experiences and practices. Drawing on personal narratives and community stories, I highlight the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodiverse individuals bring to leadership roles within Aboriginal communities.

By addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation, systemic discrimination, and cultural displacement, I shed light on the specific obstacles faced by neurodiverse Aboriginal leaders. These challenges include navigating a world that often misunderstands or overlooks neurodiversity, while simultaneously contending with the deep-seated trauma inherited from generations of marginalisation and oppression.

This presentation underscores the importance of understanding and validating these experiences to foster a supportive and inclusive leadership environment. It advocates for the integration of trauma-informed practices and culturally sensitive approaches in leadership development programs. Such practices are essential in acknowledging the complex realities of neurodiverse Aboriginal leaders, enabling them to lead with authenticity and strength.

Through this lens, I propose strategies to break down barriers, promote healing, and empower neurodiverse Aboriginal leaders to thrive. These strategies include community-driven support systems, mentorship programs that recognise and honour cultural backgrounds, and policy changes aimed at inclusivity and representation. By sharing this journey, I aim to inspire a deeper appreciation of the resilience inherent in our communities and the transformative potential of embracing diversity in leadership.

Ultimately, this paper calls for a paradigm shift in leadership perspectives, one that values and leverages the unique contributions of neurodiverse individuals within Aboriginal communities. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and dynamic leadership landscape that benefits all.