Celebrating different brains - Supporting inclusion, compassion, destigmatisation and acceptance of people & their individual differences.
In a world that still struggles to understand and accept people and their differences, Just Different: Neuro Affirming Education aims to:
-
break-down outdated stereotypes and ideas about how people 'should' be
-
increase our understanding of differences (including Autism and ADHD, which have often been poorly understood)
-
support people to be their authentic selves.
​
To be neuro affirming means we don't try to fit or force everyone into a one-size-fits-all template for life. Instead we embrace, support and value different brains (neurotypes) and make adjustments for individuals without judgement, blame or shame.
​
Why does it matter? Because...
-
We're all worthy, capable and important in our own ways
-
People do well when they can
-
There's more than one way of doing things
-
Knowledge is power! When we know better, we do better
When we start with this as our foundation we're more likely to accept individuals as they are; encourage people to work to their strengths; and offer a helping-hand, change, or flexible approach when needed - A great recipe for positive health, wellbeing and functioning!
​
Most people have good intentions but it can be hard to be inclusive when we don’t know what we don’t know. Sometimes we don’t understand how we can do better, or we don't feel empowered to go against the grain. ​
​
My passion is to be a part of the growing community of people around the world championing for inclusivity. I want people to feel seen, understood, supported and valued in their homes, schools, workplaces and social circles. I want people to know that their differences don't make them bad, less than, or faulty - they may in fact be just the difference their world needs!
​
​Just Different: Neuro Affirming Education was developed by Jordana Edwards, Clinical Psychologist. She brings her professional and lived experience, and an abundance of energy and passion to teach people how to recognise, celebrate, support, and embrace differences.​ By sharing up-to-date information, strategies and resources, Jordana aims to support the change she seeks in the world!
Doing things a little differently...
@sal_daily
Neurotype: The type of brain an individual has and how it is wired. Our neurotype influences how we interpret and respond to information or stimuli.
Neurodiversity: The idea that there is variation in neurotypes across individuals e.g., there is typically lots of neurodiversity across any group or population.
Neurotypical: A neurotype whose functioning (thoughts, feelings, actions, communication styles) fits within the ‘typical’ or ‘statistically normal’ range of society. Generally these people have no or few support/reatment needs.
Neurodivergent: An umbrella term for any neurotype that 's different from the average, typical, or neurotypical. Difference isn't viewed as bad or wrong, but neutral.
Meet Jordana
Clinical Psychologist
I am many things: Clinical Psychologist with 18 years of experience; late diagnosed AuDHDer (Autism, ADHD); loving mum, wife and friend; potter/ceramicist; business owner/Director; home decorator, terrible cook; dreamer and optimist.
​
I first went down the rabbit hole into the world of neurodivergence while trying to support my clients and kids, and never quite made it back out. Since then I’ve had an insatiable hunger for learning more and sharing the wisdom with others (hello special interest). It's been a wild ride at times, but life has never been better!
​
I can confidently say that knowing my neurotype has helped me to show up in a way that I’m proud of as a mum, wife and psychologist. It's significantly improved our quality of life as a family, and many of my clients tell me that our discussions about neurodivergence have changed their lives. It’s why I'm so passionate about destigmatising differences and supporting others to embrace their authentic selves.
​
For the last 14 years (and for many more into the future) my primary role is in private practice. I provide 1:1 psychological support to people of all ages, and a broad range of support needs. I’ve always been drawn to working from a trauma-informed, inclusive, and neuro-affirming lens. I feel privileged to learn from the people I support, and from all of this, Just Different: Neuro Affirming Education was born. It’s my values-guided passion project where I can continue to learn and share information about neurodivergence beyond my therapy room. I can't wait for you to join me!
​
Jordana started her career having completed a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology. She worked for the Specialist Sentencing Courts and Department for Correctional Services in South Australia. After starting a family Jordana moved into Private Practice and gained her Endorsement as a Clinical Psychologist. She is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society's Clinical College, and is registered under AHPRA. She uses a range of therapy frameworks when working with individual clients including Cognitive Behavoiur Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).
Work With Me
Resources
Join my mailing list for a free Digital Download - Neuro Affirming Language: An introductory guide.
Kick-start your understanding of key terms about neurodivergence and accepting individual differences.
Build your 'toolkit'
Coming soon!
Information, worksheets and templates to use at home, school or work....
A helpful roundup!
Coming soon!
A handy collection of some of my favourite books, websites, resources and podcasts from around the world about all things neurodivergence.
I'll take the hard work out of your search for information, by updating and adding to the collection.
Contact
If you're interested to know more about how I can support you or your organisaton please contact me - I'd love to hear from you! I'm often with clients in my private psychology practice and unable to answer the phone. Please send an email and I'll typically respond within 24 hours.
​