My Services
A regulation-first, neuroaffirmative PDA framework
A regulation-first, neuroaffirmative PDA framework
All of my work is grounded in a nervous system–led understanding of PDA as a survival drive for autonomy.
I do not offer behaviour management, compliance-based strategies, or interventions that prioritise attendance, performance, or emotional suppression over safety.
My work focuses on:
nervous system safety
fluctuating capacity
autonomy and consent
co-regulation and relational safety
environmental and systemic change
Occupational therapy is the foundation of this framework, not an add-on.
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I deliver training for schools, professionals, and organisations seeking to understand and support PDA through a neuroaffirmative, regulation-first lens.
Training focuses on:
understanding PDA as a nervous system response, not behaviour
recognising fluctuating capacity and early signs of overload
why compliance-based approaches cause harm
embedding regulation through universal design
supporting autonomy, consent, and dignity
the role of adult co-regulation
Training can be tailored for:
school staff and leadership teams
therapists and allied health professionals
parents and carers
multidisciplinary teams
All training prioritises ethical practice, safeguarding, and reducing harm.
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Webinars provide accessible, in-depth exploration of PDA and nervous system regulation.
Topics include:
understanding PDA through a nervous system lens
regulation beyond “calm”
masked distress and burnout
autonomy, consent, and exit plans
why traditional strategies escalate PDA
Webinars are offered both live and recorded and are suitable for parents, educators, professionals, and PDAers.
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I create written resources designed to be practical, shareable, and grounded in real nervous system understanding.
These include:
free downloadable PDFs
school-facing guidance documents
neuroaffirmative explanations of PDA
resources that support advocacy and shared understanding
Resources are designed to be used across settings and are intentionally non-coercive.
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I am currently developing an online course that brings together:
nervous system science
occupational therapy foundations
lived experience
practical application across home, school, and professional contexts
This course is intended for an international audience and will offer structured learning without reliance on compliance-based models.
Details will be shared here when available.
My Process
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We begin by understanding the individual nervous system rather than focusing on behaviour.
This means:
identifying what increases and reduces nervous system load
recognising fluctuating capacity
noticing both visible and masked distress
understanding the full neurotype and access needs
The core question is not “How do we change behaviour?” It is “What is this nervous system communicating right now?”
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Support cannot work without safety.
This step focuses on:
predictable adult responses
relational safety and unconditional positive regard
reducing shame, visibility, and pressure
recognising connection as regulation, not reinforcement
Safety is not earned through compliance. It is the condition that allows capacity to reopen.
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For PDA, autonomy is a nervous system safety requirement.
This involves:
listening to communication in all its forms
honouring “no” as meaningful communication
avoiding coercive or illusion-of-choice strategies
providing genuine, consequence-free exit options
When autonomy is protected, threat reduces. When autonomy is overridden, capacity closes.
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Regulation is embedded, not added on.
This means:
co-regulation as the primary intervention
reducing unnecessary demands and hidden pressures
designing environments that do not require asking for support
prioritising regulation before learning or expectations
Regulation is not calm. Regulation is capacity, safety, and access.
A note on this process
These steps are not linear or time-limited. They apply across homes, schools, and professional systems.
When all four are held consistently, distress reduces not because someone is controlled, but because their nervous system no longer needs to protect itself.
My Role
I am a Senior Occupational Therapist and the Clinical Manager at Neurodiversity Ireland.
My work is informed by both clinical practice and lived experience as an AuDHD PDAer. This dual perspective shapes how I understand masking, burnout, and the long-term impact of unsafe systems.
I do not provide occupational therapy services through this website.
If you are seeking occupational therapy support, please contact: register@neurodiversityireland.com
Your enquiry will be directed appropriately.
Why I work with Neurodiversity Ireland
I work with Neurodiversity Ireland because its values align closely with my own.
Neurodiversity Ireland is a charity that exists to support neurodivergent people and their families through neuroaffirmative, ethical, and evidence-informed practice. Its focus is not on normalising behaviour or increasing compliance, but on improving access, understanding, and systemic change.
As Clinical Manager, my role involves contributing to work that prioritises:
nervous system safety
dignity and autonomy
family partnership rather than blame
ethical practice over convenience
long-term wellbeing rather than short-term outcomes
Working within a charitable organisation matters to me. It means the work is driven by need, equity, and access, rather than market demand or performance targets. It allows space to challenge outdated frameworks, to centre lived experience, and to advocate for children and families who are often unheard within systems.
I value being part of an organisation that recognises that distress is not failure, that families are not the problem, and that meaningful support requires systems to change — not just individuals.
