Neurodiversity Hub

Neurodiversity Hub A Professional Allied Health Services Hub supporting the NeuroDiverse Community.

Early-bird pricing ends tomorrow — RSD & School webinar A reminder for teachers, school leaders, and educators that earl...
20/01/2026

Early-bird pricing ends tomorrow — RSD & School webinar

A reminder for teachers, school leaders, and educators that early-bird pricing for the upcoming RSD & School webinar ends tomorrow, Wednesday 21 January.

This session focuses on how Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) can show up in school environments and why it is so often misunderstood, particularly for autistic and ADHD students.

The webinar will explore:

• How RSD can influence emotional responses, engagement, and school participation

• Why common school-based approaches often miss what’s really happening

• The impact of stress, shame, and nervous system load in learning environments

• Practical, neuro-affirming strategies educators can apply in classrooms and schools

📅 Live webinar + recording (60 days access) included

📄 Certificate of professional development provided

👉 Register here before early-bird pricing ends. Link in comments.

Reminder: RSD & School webinar — early-bird price ending soonA quick reminder that early-bird pricing for the RSD & Scho...
16/01/2026

Reminder: RSD & School webinar — early-bird price ending soon

A quick reminder that early-bird pricing for the RSD & School webinar is ending Wednesday 21 January.

This session is for educators, parents, and professionals supporting autistic and ADHD students, and explores:

• What Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) can look like in school settings
• Why responses linked to RSD are often misunderstood
• The role of stress, shame, and nervous system load
• Practical, neuro-affirming ways to support students more effectively

🎥 Live webinar + recording (60-day access) included
📄 Certificate of professional development provided

👉 Register here:

LIVE WEBINAR: RSD in School - Understanding Rejection Sensitivity and Intense Emotions with Barb Cook Developmental Educator 4 February 2026 NDIS ADHD Autism

This isn’t a motivation problem.Autistic and ADHD people are often encouraged to try harder, push through, or find bette...
12/01/2026

This isn’t a motivation problem.

Autistic and ADHD people are often encouraged to try harder, push through, or find better systems, even when stress, burnout, or nervous system overload are already limiting capacity.

In a new blog article, Barb Cook - Developmental Educator, reflects on why motivation-based approaches so often miss what’s really going on, and how quickly self-blame can replace understanding when capacity is stretched.

Drawing on lived experience, professional practice, and years of working alongside autistic and ADHD adults, the piece explores a different way forward, one that focuses on capacity, support, and how the brain actually works, rather than pressure or effort.

If this perspective resonates, the full article is now available to read.

👉 Link in comments to read the blog post.

🎉 End-of-Year Sale — On NowAs we wrap up 2025, we are offering an end-of-year sale across course bundles, individual cou...
30/12/2025

🎉 End-of-Year Sale — On Now

As we wrap up 2025, we are offering an end-of-year sale across course bundles, individual courses, and books.

If you’ve been wanting to learn more about autism, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA or RSD, build practical strategies, or support someone in your life — this is a great time to start.

Everything is self-paced, accessible, and designed to be clear, supportive and neuroaffirming.

🌟 What’s on Sale — everything 40% off

- Course bundles
- Individual courses
- Books by Barb Cook (40% discount already applied)

AT CHECKOUT FOR 40% OFF COURSES
USE DISCOUNT CODE: 40end25

📅 Sale Ends Friday 2nd January 2026

Click below to explore what’s discounted:

Click here for courses
https://ndhubeducation.thinkific.com/
­
Click here for books
https://neurodiversityhub.com/shop/

💜 Wishing everyone a gentle end to the year and a hopeful start to 2026.

Warmly,
Barb Cook - Developmental Educator, Author & Speaker
Co-Founder NeuroDiversity Hub

**USE COUPON CODE AT CHECKOUT FOR 40% DISCOUNT ON COURSES
***BOOKS HAVE THE DISCOUNT ALREADY APPLIED

DISCOUNT CODE: 40end25

Click here for courses
https://ndhubeducation.thinkific.com/
­
Click here for books
https://neurodiversityhub.com/shop/

Discover the ultimate hub for Autism, ADHD, and PDA courses, educational training, professional development hours and certification, and resources with Barb Cook Registered Developmental Educator at the NeuroDiversity Hub Education and Training website. NDIS welcome.

🚀 **Final Live Webinar of the Year — Next Wednesday!**Neurodiversity Hub is excited to share that Barb Cook - Developmen...
28/11/2025

🚀 **Final Live Webinar of the Year — Next Wednesday!**

Neurodiversity Hub is excited to share that Barb Cook - Developmental Educator, Executive Functioning Toolbox Live Webinar is happening next Wednesday, the 3rd December, and you won’t want to miss it.

Barb will be diving into practical, neuroaffirming tools to support planning, organisation, time management, working memory, motivation, and emotional regulation — all through an autistic/ADHD-friendly lens.

🎓 **PD Certificate included**
🧠 Perfect for teachers, educators, allied health, support workers, individuals & parents
📅 **Next Wednesday — Limited spots**

Make sure to grab your ticket before it sells out!

👉 *Link in comments*

LIVE WEBINAR: ADHD Autism PDA - Executive Functioning Toolbox Practical Strategies for All Ages with Barb Cook Developmental Educator NDIS 3rd December 2025

Why Neuroaffirming Professional Development Matters - Now More Than EverAs our understanding of autism, ADHD and dyslexi...
09/11/2025

Why Neuroaffirming Professional Development Matters - Now More Than Ever

As our understanding of autism, ADHD and dyslexia continues to grow, so does the need for professional development that reflects it.

Neuroaffirming professional learning goes beyond awareness. It challenges old frameworks, celebrates neurological diversity, and provides practical ways to create inclusive environments where every person can thrive.

For teachers, educators, allied health professionals, and support workers, this shift is essential. Traditional PD often focuses on “managing behaviours” or “fixing deficits.” Neuroaffirming training, however, reframes those ideas.

It asks us to view behaviour as communication, to see strengths alongside challenges, and to build environments that meet diverse sensory, social, and cognitive needs....

Link in comments to full article.

📣 BIG SALE - ALL COURSES 30% OFF – 5 Days Only!Expand your understanding of Autism, ADHD, and PDA with accessible, evide...
08/11/2025

📣 BIG SALE - ALL COURSES 30% OFF – 5 Days Only!

Expand your understanding of Autism, ADHD, and PDA with accessible, evidence-based online courses from the NeuroDiversity Hub.

All courses are created and delivered by Barb Cook, Registered Developmental Educator, author, and neurodivergent professional — bringing lived experience together with current research and clinical practice.

Each course offers:

✔️ PD Certificate
✔️ Downloadable resources
✔️ Self-paced learning
✔️ 60-day access

These neuroaffirming, person-centred courses are perfect for teachers and educators, support workers, allied health professionals, and anyone seeking to understand and support autistic and ADHD people.

🕐 Offer ends 12 November 2025

🎟️ Use code 30neuro1125 at checkout

👉 Explore courses: ndhubeducation.thinkific.com

Discover the ultimate hub for Autism, ADHD, and PDA courses, educational training, professional development hours and certification, and resources with Barb Cook Registered Developmental Educator at the NeuroDiversity Hub Education and Training website. NDIS welcome.

Today at 9am AEST you can tune in to my session on autism and perimenopause. If you can't make it, there will be a re-ru...
24/09/2025

Today at 9am AEST you can tune in to my session on autism and perimenopause. If you can't make it, there will be a re-run this weekend!

The AFTI Autistic Lived Experience Online Summit will be here before you know it, so register for FREE and unlock access to this year's full line-up—25 expert speakers from around the world sharing their experiences across a range of important topics designed to inform and support your own experience.

Register NOW for the opportunity to listen and learn as Barb Cook, M.Aut., Dip.HSc. discusses Autism and Perimenopause...and so much MORE!
Get your free ticket here: https://autismexplained.krtra.com/t/Oj2XEhVoLQa4

It all starts on 22nd September, so be sure to register for FREE today!

I hope to see you there!

Get your free ticket here: https://autismexplained.krtra.com/t/Oj2XEhVoLQa4

*** THIS WEEK! ***LIVE Webinar: Autism/ADHD Health, Nutrition, Exercise & Recreation: Benefits for Learning, Emotional R...
06/01/2025

*** THIS WEEK! ***

LIVE Webinar: Autism/ADHD Health, Nutrition, Exercise & Recreation: Benefits for Learning, Emotional Regulation, Mental and Physical Health

With
Neurodivergent Presenter Barb Cook, M.Aut.,Dip.HSc.
Registered Developmental Educator, NDIS Registered Specialist Level Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, Integrative Nutritionist, Adult ADHD Coach

PURCHASE YOUR TICKER HERE:
https://neurodiversityhub.com/product/autism-adhd-health-nutrition-exercise-jan-2025/

PRICE: $69.00

WHEN: Thursday 9th January, 2025

START: 6pm AEST / 7pm AEDT

DURATION: 2.5 hours (including Q & A)

WHERE: Online – Webinar link will be sent directly from Zoom one (1) day prior to event start - please check you spam folders!

On completion of this workshop, a certificate will be provided with 2.5 hours professional development

30 Day Access to recording of Event

The benefits of good nutrition, regular exercise and recreation can significantly improve learning, mental clarity, improve emotional regulation and build self-esteem and confidence in autistic, ADHD and PDA individuals of all ages.

Research emphasises the numerous benefits of weight-bearing exercise and resistance training and can improve proprioception – sensory processing through muscles and joints – and reduce emotional dysregulation when proprioceptive activities are implemented. Weight-bearing exercise has also been shown to be especially beneficial for people with a PDA profile of autism.

Good nutrition is particularly important for neurodivergent people. Research indicates the ADHD brain requires regular intake omega-3 to assist with memory and focus. Many autistic/ADHD people also struggle with gut issues, malabsorption and are susceptible to metabolic syndromes due to high levels of stress, burnout and hypervigilance.

In this webinar, Barb Cook, registered developmental educator and integrative nutritionist will explore the many benefits of good, and the right nutrition for autistic and ADHD people, how a different approach to exercise can lead to improvements in cognition and learning, build self-empowerment, and the overall benefits of tailoring a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable for neurodivergent people.

Topics covered:

Why is good nutrition important

Nutrition misconceptions

Nutritional differences in autism and ADHD

How food affects mood, memory and learning

Impact of poor nutrition

Nutrition and emotional regulation

Inflammation and effects on the brain and body

Impact of sugar on the developing brain

Foods for brain health, memory and focus

Benefits of supplements

Allergies and intolerances

Malabsorption and Metabolic Syndrome

Impacts of hypervigilance, stress and burnout on the body

Types of sustainable and low demand exercise with big benefits

Benefits of weight-bearing exercise and resistance training for PDA

Improving memory, learning and emotional regulation through exercise and recreation

The benefits of recreational activities – roller skating, horse riding – improving learning, balance and social connections

The importance of doing things that bring joy

Reducing stress and addressing burnout through nutrition and recreation

This webinar is for neurodivergent people of all ages, parents, carers, allied health and mental health professionals, developmental educators, support workers, recreation and leisure professionals, educational and teaching professionals, teacher aides, nutritionists, health and wellbeing coaches.

This workshop may be claimed under the NDIS for self and plan managed participants. Please check with your NDIS LAC / Plan Manager prior to purchasing your ticket.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKER HERE:
https://neurodiversityhub.com/product/autism-adhd-health-nutrition-exercise-jan-2025/

LIVE Webinar: Autism/ADHD Health, Nutrition, Exercise and Recreation with Barb Cook Integrative Nutritionist & Developmental Educator Thursday 9th January 2025 NDIS

LIVE WEBINAR: Autism/ADHD/PDA Preparing for the School Year WithNeurodivergent Presenter Barb Cook, M.Aut.,Dip.HSc.Regis...
19/12/2024

LIVE WEBINAR: Autism/ADHD/PDA Preparing for the School Year

With
Neurodivergent Presenter Barb Cook, M.Aut.,Dip.HSc.
Registered Developmental Educator, NDIS Registered Specialist Level Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, Integrative Nutritionist

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: https://neurodiversityhub.com/product/autism-adhd-pda-preparing-for-school-jan-2025/

EARLYBIRD PRICE: $65 after early bird (2 January 25) $78

WHEN: Thursday 16th January, 2025

START: 6pm - 8.30pm AEST / 7pm - 9.30pm AEDT

DURATION: 2.5 hours (including Q & A)

WHERE: Online - Webinar link will be sent from Zoom one (1) day prior to event start. Please check spam folders.

On completion of this workshop, a certificate will be provided with 2.5 hours professional development

30 Day Access to Recording of Event

This webinar is focused on children aged 5 – 17 years.

Starting the school year is a significant transition for any child, particularly for autistic, ADHD, and PDA children, who may require a different and more empathetic approach to learning, planning, organization, and adapting to new environments.

The beginning of the school year involves more than just academics; it also includes making friends, establishing new daily routines, meeting new teachers, navigating different classrooms, and encountering various changes and new experiences.
This can feel overwhelming, especially for young children. However, with proper preparation and an understanding of what to expect, this transition can become a positive journey.

In this webinar, Barb Cook, a registered Developmental Educator and registered NDIS specialist in positive behaviour support, will guide you through the challenges that autistic, ADHD, and PDA children may face when transitioning back to school, particularly after less structured and less demanding school holidays. Many neurodivergent children will often experience heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, resistance, and avoidance when faced with the return to school.

Barb will provide a variety of tools, strategies, and resources to help parents, carers, support workers, and teachers better assist children in making this transition in a caring, supportive, and positive manner. She will address potential challenges, barriers, and fears that may also arise.

Additionally, Barb will offer strategies to help autistic, ADHD, and PDA children build their self-determination and self-advocacy skills. These strategies will empower them to recognise their needs, implement necessary supports, and advocate for themselves with reduced fear of judgment.

Topics covered:

Learning differences in autism/ADHD/PDA

Adjusting back to school routine after holidays

Planning for school terms – practicing routines at home

Creating transition plans

Uniforms, shoes and introduction of school materials

Benefits of colour coding and visual aides

Organisation and planning

Task avoidance and procrastination

Homework, exams and assignments

PDA profile – demand avoidance and school

Language to motivate and reduce perceived demands

Anxiety and hypervigilance

School refusal

Being sensory ready and assessing the environment

Proprioception and Interoception and improved learning

Nutrition and exercise for developing minds

Downtime/decompression after school

Demands of out of school activities

Monitoring energy needed for learning

Creating supportive environments out of school

This webinar is focused on children aged 5 – 17 years and beneficial for parents, carers, support workers, occupational therapists, developmental educators, allied health professionals, teachers and teacher support staff.

This event may be claimable for Self & Plan Managed NDIS Participants. Please check with your plan manager/LAC.

https://neurodiversityhub.com/product/autism-adhd-pda-preparing-for-school-jan-2025/

LIVE WEBINAR: Autism/ADHD/PDA Preparing for the School Year with Barb Cook Developmental Educator, Specialist PBS Practitioner 16th January 2025 NDIS

AUTISM | ADHD | PDA Complete Training Course Bundle 50 Hours | 23 courses = 50 hours CPD | 23 CertificatesCLICK HERE TO ...
15/12/2024

AUTISM | ADHD | PDA Complete Training Course Bundle
50 Hours | 23 courses = 50 hours CPD | 23 Certificates

CLICK HERE TO ENROL: https://ndhubeducation.thinkific.com/bundles/autism-adhd-pda-courses

with Barb Cook Registered Developmental Educator, NDIS Registered Specialist Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, Adult ADHD Coach, Integrative Nutritionist, Specialist Neurodiversity Employment Business Consultant

PRICE: $437.00 A SAVING OF $720.00

PAYMENT OPTIONS: Credit Card, AfterPay, Klarna, Google Pay, Apple Pay

If you require a different payment method or an NDIS invoice, please contact us at connect@neurodiversityhub.com

A Certificate of Completion for professional development will be available for you to download upon completion of each course. A total of 23 certificates with combined 50 hours of CPD.

Start at any time and watch at your own pace

6 months to complete all courses = approx 2 hours per week of learning

For each training course a copy of presentation slides, resources and recommended books

These courses may be claimable for Self & Plan Managed NDIS Participants. Please check with your plan manager/LAC.

CLICK HERE TO ENROL: https://ndhubeducation.thinkific.com/bundles/autism-adhd-pda-courses

Course Topics:

Autism/ADHD - PDA Understanding Demand Avoidance

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Understanding Intense Emotions

Autism and Sleep

Autism, ADHD and Aggressive Behaviours: Exploring Triggers, Support and Strategies

Autistic/ADHD Burnout: Know the Signs and Pathway to Recovery
Nutrition and Neurodivergence

Autism, ADHD and School: Understanding Sensory Environment and Behaviours in the Classroom

Support Worker Autism Training: Best Practice for Supporting Autistic People

Autism/ADHD: Parent/Carer Burnout - Managing Stress, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Understanding Overwhelming Behaviours: Support Worker Autism Training

Demand Overload: Balancing the Demands of Everyday Life

Autistic Women: Exploring Later Life Diagnosis, Supports and Beyond

Autism Perimenopause and Menopause

Autism/ADHD S*x, Dating and Relationships

Understanding ADHD in Women

Being the Executive of Functioning: Harnessing the Power of Your Brain

Adult ADHD: Challenges of Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Workplace Environment and Design: Creating a Neurodiversity Friendly Workplace

Autism at Work: Communication and Workplace Relationships

Sensory Management: Identifying Stressors in the Workplace

Mastering Self Determination and Self-Advocacy

Health and Nutrition Priorities for Autism and ADHD

Self Care: Putting You First

These presentations will provide practical tools, tips and strategies for autistic/ADHD/PDA people, teachers, educators, employers, allied health professionals, developmental educators, occupational therapists, psychologists, support workers, parents and carers.

https://ndhubeducation.thinkific.com/bundles/autism-adhd-pda-courses

LIVE WEBINAR: Autism/ADHD and PDA - Understanding Demand AvoidancewithNeurodivergent Presenter Barb Cook, M.Aut.,Dip.HSc...
25/10/2024

LIVE WEBINAR: Autism/ADHD and PDA - Understanding Demand Avoidance

with
Neurodivergent Presenter Barb Cook, M.Aut.,Dip.HSc.
Registered Developmental Educator, NDIS Registered Specialist Level Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, Integrative Nutritionist

LINK TO PURCHASE TICKETS: https://neurodiversityhub.com/.../pda-autism-adhd-dec-2024/

EARLYBIRD PRICE: $65 after earlybird (19 Nov 24) $78

WHEN: Tuesday 3rd December, 2024

START: 6pm AEST / 7pm AEDT

DURATION: 2.5 hours (including Q & A)

WHERE: Online - Webinar link will be sent one (1) day prior to event start

On completion of this workshop, a certificate will be provided with 2.5 hours professional development

30 Day Access to recording of Event

This event may be claimable for Self & Plan Managed NDIS Participants. Please check with your plan manager/LAC.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a complex behavioural profile often associated with autism and autistic people with ADHD. Unlike typical anxiety responses, PDA manifests as an extreme avoidance of everyday demands and expectations.

Imagine living in a world where any form of demand—whether it’s getting dressed or completing homework—triggers an overwhelming need to resist. For individuals with PDA, this reality is all too common.

But what exactly does it mean? Why do certain demands feel so insurmountable? And how can we better understand and support those navigating life with Pathological Demand Avoidance?
Individuals with PDA may divert attention or create distractions to escape tasks they perceive as overwhelming. This behaviour isn’t simply defiance; it's rooted in deep emotional experiences and sensory sensitivities.

In this webinar, Barb Cook, a neurodivergent presenter (autism, ADHD, dyslexia) and registered developmental educator, will explore the intricacies of PDA, its connection to emotions, and discuss effective coping strategies for individuals impacted by PDA, their loved ones, and for educators and employers who work with PDA profile individuals.

Topics covered:

• What is pathological demand avoidance (PDA)
• PDA across the lifespan – children, teens, adults
• How PDA is related to autism
• The PDA, autism and ADHD mix
• What causes intense and overwhelming emotions and behaviours
• Understanding the difficulty in controlling reactions
• The impact of communication from others
• Demand avoidance
• Demand overload
• Fight, flight, freeze, fawn response
• The added complexity of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)
• Relationship between anxiety and control
• Dynamics of PDA in relationships, friendships and family
• PDA in school
• PDA in the workplace
• Internalisation of demands and overwhelm
• Task avoidance and procrastination
• Reframing communication
• Understanding triggers
• Interoception and identifying emotional overwhelm
• Taking care of yourself and others
• Strategies to reduce PDA induced overwhelm and stress
• Managing intense feelings
• The importance of physical health and wellbeing

This webinar will provide practical tools, tips and strategies for autistic/ADHD people, parents, teachers, employers, allied health professionals, support workers and carers.

LINK TO PURCHASE TICKETS: https://neurodiversityhub.com/.../pda-autism-adhd-dec-2024/

LIVE WEBINAR: Autism/ADHD & PDA with Barb Cook Registered Developmental Educator & Specialist NDIS PBS Practitioner Tuesday 3rd December 2024

Address

Suite 8500, 10 See Street
Bargara, QLD
4670

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