Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how human brains and nervous systems work. People differ in how they process sensory input, communicate, learn, manage attention, and respond to stress.

Neurodiversity is not a diagnosis. A person may identify as neurodivergent with or without formal assessment. In My Brain Buddy, the focus is not on labels — it is on understanding what supports make life easier, especially when stress or demands exceed capacity.

Neuroaffirming means we recognise neurodivergent differences as valid human variation — not deficits to be fixed.

A neuroaffirming approach focuses on:

• safety and belonging

• support needs and capacity

• strategies that improve fit with everyday life

• reducing blame, shame, and confusion

In My Brain Buddy, neuroaffirming practice means we view behaviour as meaningful communication, especially under stress, and we support people to build resilience in ways that respect autonomy and lived experience.

Evidence-informed means My Brain Buddy is shaped by current research and best practice in areas such as stress, regulation, resilience, and neurodiversity — alongside lived experience and what works in real life.

Evidence-informed does not mean a one-size-fits-all model. It means we use evidence as a foundation while staying flexible, practical, and responsive to individual and family needs.

Trauma-informed means we understand that many people have experienced stress, overwhelm, judgement, burnout, or harmful experiences — including within support systems.

In practice, this means My Brain Buddy prioritises:

• safety before strategy

• consent and choice

• predictable pacing and structure

• gentle language

• optional participation

• no forced disclosure or emotional exposure

The goal is not to provide trauma therapy in a group setting, but to ensure the space is held in a way that supports nervous system safety and reduces the risk of re-activation.

Coaching is practical, capacity-aware support that helps individuals or families apply what they have learned in everyday life.

Coaching may support:

• implementing a Support Plan at home

• staying on track gently

• adjusting strategies when capacity changes

• problem-solving collaboratively

• building routines that feel sustainable

Coaching is forward-focused and strengths-based. It is not diagnosis, therapy, or crisis support.

Counselling offers an optional space for deeper emotional support and reflective goal-setting.

Counselling may support:

• stress, burnout, overwhelm, or emotional load

• processing lived experience

• strengthening self-compassion

• exploring values and setting new goals

• making sense of patterns safely

Counselling is separate from group program delivery and held within clear professional boundaries.

Neurodiversity and disability are related, but they are not the same thing.

Some people experience disability due to the functional impact of neurodivergence — especially when environments, expectations, and demands are not supportive.

Others may be neurodivergent without identifying as disabled.

In My Brain Buddy, we hold both truths:

• difference is normal

• impact matters

• support should reduce barriers and increase participation

Our focus is on understanding capacity and building supports that make life more workable — without pathologising difference.