Free Webinar: Parenting and Working with Neurodivergent Children

Join Women 4 STEM as we discuss how parenting neurodivergent children comes with unique challenges and rewards, including how to balance a thriving career.

Balancing these responsibilities alongside a thriving career can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for an engaging and insightful webinar designed to empower parents of neurodiverse children with practical strategies for achieving work-life harmony. During this session, we’ll explore:  

• Proven techniques for managing time and energy to avoid burnout.  

• Effective communication strategies to advocate for your child’s needs at school and beyond.  

• Tools for building a supportive network to navigate challenges at home and work.  

• Self-care practices that prioritise your well-being while caring for your family.  

This webinar is ideal for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals looking for actionable tips to better support neurodiverse children while maintaining a fulfilling career. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and grow alongside fellow leaders.

Spaces are limited. Register now to secure your spot!

MEET OUR PANEL

AMBER LYONS (Speaker)

Chief Social Media Officer, Women 4 STEM

Amber Lyons is a social media marketing expert and small business entrepreneur with a history of building and scaling successful business ventures. With a deep understanding of digital platforms and strategies, Amber helps individuals and businesses connect with their audiences to achieve their unique goals. 

As an author, Amber shares insights and advice on how to successfully open and manage a thriving product-based small business, from concept through to launch. Beyond her professional achievements, Amber is a devoted parent navigating the joys and challenges of raising two children, including one on the autism spectrum, all while embracing her own neurodiversity. 

This has ignited a passion for creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals. As a Kyokushin karate instructor, Amber combined expertise and empathy to design one of the first sensory-friendly martial arts classes. This innovative program provides neurodiverse children with a safe and welcoming environment to experience the many benefits of martial arts, from building confidence to fostering discipline and community.

Whether speaking about entrepreneurship, digital marketing, or inclusive innovation, Amber brings a unique blend of expertise and personal experience to inspire others to embrace challenges, create opportunities, and make a lasting impact.

MICHELLE RIDSDALE (Speaker)

Founder, Kaboose

Michelle Ridsdale is the founder of Kaboose, a pioneering platform built to foster Connection & Belonging, Understanding, and Purpose for the neurodivergent community.

Inspired by her son’s struggles with isolation and disconnection, Michelle leveraged her lived experience and extensive background in People & Culture to create a safe space where neurodivergent individuals can build friendships, gain self-awareness, and thrive in life and work.

With a career that spans diverse industries and a pivotal role as Chief People Officer in the tech sector, Michelle channels her expertise and network to drive positive change for the neurodivergent community. 

Through Kaboose, she is breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to embrace their strengths and navigate life with confidence.

NATALIE PHILLIPS-MASON (Speaker)
Founder, Inclusive Change

Natalie Phillips-Mason discovered her purpose through neuroinclusion allyship. Drawing on diverse experiences as a corporate change implementor, people leader and a parent, she is dedicated to guiding the exploration of human differences and creating neuroinclusive workplaces. 

In 2022, Natalie founded Inclusive Change, a consultancy founded on the values of respectful curiosity, partnership, and compassion. Inclusive Change delivers capability programs by creating safe spaces for respectful curiosity. Programs explore how equity is created in organisational ecosystems so that employees of all neurotypes can thrive. Since its launch in 2022, Inclusive Change has attracted clients from Tier 1 consultancies, government, retail, and the private sector. 

Inclusive Change is active in customer experience research. In 2024, the team published new research into the experiences of Australian neurodivergent and neurotypical shoppers. The research challenges retailers to think differently about the in-store experience and is prompting well-known brands to explore inclusive retail opportunities. 

Natalie’s work is endorsed by the Australian Retailers Association, Aspect, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. She has authored articles for Inside Retail and Inside FMCG and is a respected voice on panels and podcasts through which she shares her insights on neuroinclusion and allyship. 

MARY-BETH HOSKING (Facilitator)

CEO, Women 4 STEM

Mary-Beth Hosking is a pragmatic and seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in organisational transformations and is currently the CEO of Women 4 STEM.  

Mary-Beth published her first book “In One Piece – A Step-by-Step Guide to Surviving Change” at the beginning of the Covid Pandemic and hopes that this has helped leaders grappling with the changes Covid has brought to the corporate landscape. Her second book “When now, means NOW! – A handbook for career change, advancement, and progression” launched in May 2023.  Her third book "Not Another Digital Transformation - The 10xGeneration launched in April 2024".  

Mary-Beth prides herself on the work she does in supporting diversity across STEM having won the WEQUAL Award for Technology and being an OLA Finalist.