Naarm (Melbourne) Bayside Therapists Community of Practice

Calling all allied health professionals and medical practitioners working across Bayside and surrounding areas!

Join us as we come together to support best practice, professional connection, and Neurodiversity Affirming care for our community.

This event is an opportunity to:

• Build relationships across disciplines

• Reflect on complex clinical presentations and neurodiversity-affirming practice

• Share resources and current research

• Strengthen referral networks and local knowledge

Together, we can build a community grounded in connection, care, and Neurodiversity Affirming practice.

Guest Speaker

Cath Fernando is an AuDHD Speech Pathologist and influential advocate for Neurodiversity Affirming (NDA) practice. She authored Speech Pathology Australia’s national learning module, “Neurodiversity Affirming Practice: An Introduction,” and has collaborated widely to reframe support programs for Autistic children through an affirming lens.

With a strong track record, Cath works holistically with Autistic people, providing coaching and training for families, schools, and workplaces to cultivate psychologically safe, authentic relationships that enhance quality of life. She replaces outdated “social skills” training with approaches that support unmasking and confident navigation of the social world.

Cath writes and speaks widely (podcasts, local radio) and provides extensive training and supervision for speech pathologists and other allied-health professionals. Her forthcoming Routledge book chapter, “Neurodiversity-affirming practice with respect to autism in palliative care,” extends this work into end-of-life contexts.

Don't miss out - Click the RSVP button to reservce your spot!

(Light refreshments will be provided)