Neuroaffirming Allied Health

Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Services

We are proud to offer Neuroaffirming (Neurodiversity-affirming) Specialist Speech Pathology services and will soon expand into Occupational Therapy!

Allied Health for neurodivergent people continues to evolve. With new research, emerging intervention approaches, and increased advocacy from diverse voices, our professional community is growing rapidly. A key development is how we approach treatment for neurodivergent people, shifting from trying to “fix” differences to celebrating each individual’s unique way of being.

NDIS Allied Health Professional with a background as a behaviour support practitioner that helps parents with neurodivergent children

Our Approach for Neurodivergent Children, Teens, and Young Adults

Courtney, our Speech Pathologist, is committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals to feel confident in who they are. She supports communication, self-advocacy, social awareness, and learning adaptations in ways that resonate with each participant’s strengths and preferences.

Courtney partners with families, friends, schools, and workplaces to build environments where positive relationships and genuine connections can thrive. Sessions can be delivered at home, at school, or via telehealth, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for everyone involved.

What is Neurodiversity-Affirming Allied Health?

Neurodiversity-affirming practice recognises that every brain develops differently. Instead of trying to make neurodivergent people appear ‘typical’, this approach values their authentic presentation and focuses on their personal goals. It acknowledges that neurodivergence itself is not a flaw or condition to be ‘fixed’.

Historically, interventions like Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) were used by many Speech Pathologists for Autistic clients, especially children. However, Autistic adults and other neurodivergent individuals have identified ABA as harmful, leading clinicians to adopt more respectful, person-centred methods. At The Behaviour Blueprint, we do not use ABA.

Key Principles of Neurodiversity-Affirming Allied Health:

Respect for All Neurotypes

We view Autism and ADHD as natural variations in brain function—unique, not defective.

Quality of Life Focus

Therapy goals and techniques are chosen to improve each person’s day-to-day experiences, rather than making them conform to a ‘typical’ model.

Acknowledging Barriers

While we celebrate neurological differences, we also recognise that neurodivergent people can be disabled by barriers in their environment.

Reframing ‘Social Skills’

Traditional social skills training often implies neurotypical communication is the ideal. We prefer empowering participants to understand others and make informed choices about how they interact.

Embracing Special Interests

Instead of steering participants away from their passions, we harness these interests to enrich learning and communication.

Inclusive Language

As Speech Pathologists, we know words matter. We use terms like ‘Autistic person’ instead of ‘person with Autism’ to acknowledge and affirm neurodivergent identities.

Building Self-Advocacy

We encourage participants and their families to speak up for their needs and preferences, giving them greater autonomy in everyday situations.

Services We Offer

Receptive & Expressive Language Support

We support with non-verbal communication, low level AAC, training of Teachers, Support Workers and family members, key word sign, Talking Mats and developing any systems or visuals that support communication.

Strengths-Based Practice & Specialist Skills in Behaviour

We tailor interventions to honour each participant’s strengths, respect their unique traits and help them communicate their needs more effectively to reduce challenging behaviours. We have significant experience in collaboratating with Behaviour Support Practitioners. 

Capacity Building in Daily Life

All strategies are functional and designed to support communication across a range of real-life settings and routines—home, school, work, or social environments.

Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)

Courtney is a certified CPS provider, focusing on working alongside participants to address problems together, guided by the belief that “kids do well if they can” (and adults too).

Holistic and Family-Centred Care

We believe participants thrive when their supporters—parents, teachers, or carers—are also educated, involved, and empowered. Supporters have the greatest long-term impact, so we ensure they feel confident and well-equipped.

Referral for Specialised Expertise

If specific expertise is required (e.g. complex AAC, speech sound disorders, dysphagia, stuttering, positive behaviour support), we will refer to trusted professionals and guide you through that process.

Availability and Locations

In-Person: Serving the West Kimberley region

Online: Telehealth sessions for those located beyond our local area

NDIS

If you are self-managed or plan-managed under the NDIS, you may be able to use your plan for our services. We recommend consulting your Support Coordinator and/or the NDIS to confirm whether your supports with us can be funded.

Ready to embrace Neurodiversity-Affirming Allied Health?

Got any burning questions?

We're here to answer—reach out and ask away!

Allied Health Waitlist

Join our waitlist and be the first to know when we have space to work with more clients.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Download the FREE Masterclass now!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.