ABOUT US

Our Mission

The Neurodiversity Initiative is dedicated to embracing inclusion and breaking down barriers in society, the workplace, and service delivery that limit individuals who live with neurodivergence. This includes improving accessibility to services, employment, education, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality.

We achieve this through training and support for businesses and individuals who are looking to champion neurodivergence in the community and the workplace and connecting with the neurodivergent community so that they can advocate for their cause.

We provide online training and face-to-face workshops and consulting for both individuals, businesses, and organisations. Our training content includes evidence-based response practices, current research, and is designed by professionals in the field of neurodivergence and disability intervention who also bring their own lived experience of neurodivergence.

Our workshops are designed to be a collaborative experience and our trainers work closely with you or your team to incorporate their industry knowledge, to help you reach your goal of providing better service outcomes and experiences for your staff, customers, or clients and to open a world without limits, a world that embraces neurodivergence and inclusivity.

Our Story

In 2019 Catherine Gow was enjoying a holiday with her young family when the purpose for what has become The Neurodiversity Initiative was born.

Observing the environment and services while holidaying, it highlighted the fact that many families living with neurodivergence face great obstacles while away on vocation, which can make what should be a relaxing enjoyable experience very stressful. And it is not just holidays, it’s employment, or simple outings that those living with neurodivergence and their families/carers face.

Catherine knew this based on her regular encounters with families that attend her Central Coast NSW clinic, Augmentia Health.

Now in 2022, even more so with her own personal diagnosis and as the parent of a child with neurodivergence.

Catherine then decided to embark on a journey of research and development to create a series of training workshops and courses to increase the awareness and inclusive practices of neurodivergence. She began sharing her knowledge, experience and lived-experience with businesses and service providers. This is now The Neurodiversity Initiative you see here today.

Accessibility Statement

View and download our Accessibility Statement

Catherine Gow

(BA Hons Psych, Dip Prof Couns, Cert Spec. Trainer Disability, Cert. EEG Neurofeedback Intervention)

Catherine is a registered psychologist who enjoys working with children and families and has been in private practice for five years. Catherine is the mother of two adorable boys and lives on the Central Coast of New South Wales. She is passionate about making a difference to the quality of lives of children with ASD, SPD, ADHD, learning challenges, ODD, conduct disorders, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

She is keenly interested in applied research and program development, having previously published in peer journals and developed children’s books about social and emotional skill development. Catherine has developed the Smart Fun Program and My Sensory Toolbox and is the author of the NeuroTeaching series of professional development for teachers and early childhood educators.

Melissa Mills

Product Manager

Bringing with her a creative mind and a wealth of knowledge, Melissa teamed up with Catherine in 2020 to establish The Neurodiversity Initiative. With over 18 years experience in business administration, from maritime brokerage in London to hospitality, education and IT, Melissa’s vision is to develop a product that is strongly aligned with The Neurodiversity Initiative mission and is primarily focused on clients and raising awareness and inclusion of neurodivergence.

COVID-19 STATEMENT

The Neurodiversity Initiative is committed to caring for the health and well-being of our partners and clients and in supporting health officials and government leaders. We follow all government Covid-19 Safe advice when holding onsite events. If you are interested in hosting a workshop for your business CONTACT US

to discuss options and how we will meet safety guidelines.