Neurodiversity-affirming practice recognises and values the diversity of human brains and experiences. It moves away from the pathologising medical model, instead fostering respect for each client's unique neurotype. This approach supports clients in ways that empower them, promoting a positive sense of self and identity. My supervision integrates these principles, helping you support clients ethically and effectively while aligning with current best practices.

To develop neurodiversity-affirming practices, it's crucial to listen to neurodivergent voices and learn from those who experience neurodivergence firsthand. This is why choosing a neurodivergent supervisor can be invaluable. If your caseload includes many autistic clients, seeking out autistic perspectives is essential.

Finding someone with both professional experience and lived experience can be challenging, which is where I can help. As an autistic ADHDer, I bring together my background as a speech pathologist with lived experience. When we discuss your autistic or ADHDer clients, I provide insights into their potential internal experiences, along with theory and best practices. This combination of perspectives offers valuable understanding that may be harder to gain from those without lived experience.

It's up to you! Our sessions can be highly structured, with agendas, lists, and question prompts to guide us, or they can be more relaxed, focusing on client-based discussions and general information sharing. Sessions can be completely spontaneous, allowing the conversation to flow naturally. We can also include workshop-style learning, where you are upskilled in a specific area of interest in a way that's tailored to you.

I focus on practical applications and real-world scenarios—generalisation is a key part of our work, and for me, as a supervisor, it's no exception. I ensure the information I provide can be used beyond the specific client study we are discussing, offering tips that enhance your overall practice. Supervision is about moving you forward professionally, not just putting out fires. Like we do with clients, we aim to support them so that they need us less over time. I take steps to help you grow and develop independently, increasing your confidence and competence in your chosen areas of development.

Adopting neurodiversity-affirming practices is both an ethical choice and a professional responsibility. Clients increasingly seek therapists who understand and apply these principles, influencing their selection of service providers. Integrating these practices positions you to meet current and future demands, aligning with Speech Pathology Australia's expectations. This approach supports your career growth by equipping you with valuable skills that are appreciated by employers and clients alike.

Absolutely. One of the key challenges for many speech pathologists is navigating the boundaries of their professional scope while integrating interdisciplinary knowledge. Through my years of mentoring occupational therapists, psychologists, and other allied health professionals, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of these boundaries and how they intersect with other disciplines.

I can help you identify where your scope of practice as a speech pathologist might end and where interdisciplinary collaboration begins. This understanding is crucial in preventing burnout, especially when working at the edges of your professional scope. Together, we will develop strategies to keep you aligned with your role while effectively supporting your clients. By understanding these intersections, you can achieve better client outcomes and maintain professional standards without crossing boundaries.

Rediscovering joy in your work, if it's something you feel is slipping, is about reconnecting with your goals and passion. In our supervision sessions, we can explore your overarching mission as a therapist, identifying what excites and motivates you. Together, we work to refocus your efforts and find ways to integrate that joy into your daily practice. Many supervisees find this approach rejuvenates their commitment to their profession and helps them move forward with renewed energy and purpose.