Hazel Brown

ABOUT ME

I am an autistic mum of two incredible neurodivergent children. I have lived experience as a late identified autistic and in caring for children who are Autistic, PDA and ADHD and have complex needs. I love supporting young people and families to develop proud Autistic identity, community, and belonging, as well as deep knowledge of themselves and the advocacy skills necessary to survive and thrive in systems that are yet to catch up.

I have worked extensively alongside parents and caregivers, young people and children, specialising in supporting families with Autism, PDA and ADHD. I also have experience across a range of settings including family violence counselling, LGBTQIA+ communities, education support, school wellbeing and play-based settings. My work is grounded in respect, curiosity and a genuine appreciation for each person’s unique experience.

MY APPROACH

My approach is relational, strengths-based and trauma-informed, drawing from neuroscience, developmental understanding, neuroaffirming principles of practice and lived experience. I believe that meaningful support happens in relationship. I love getting to know new families; their unique personalities, quirks, struggles and strengths. I strongly believe that the most effective way to support a child is to empower the people who love them most. When families come to me I am passionate about adding value to the family as a whole. Together we will work towards building understanding, reducing stress and increasing connection, joy and wellbeing in your family.

HOW I WORK WITH FAMILIES

As a social worker, my approach begins with understanding your family as a whole. During the intake process, I take the time to get a clear picture of your child, your family dynamics, and what is currently feeling challenging or overwhelming. From there, we develop a treatment plan together that is tailored specifically to your family’s needs. This may look different for every family. For some families, the focus may be on supporting caregivers to better understand and respond to their child. For others, it may include a combination of caregiver support and direct work with the child.

In some cases, I may work closely with caregivers while your child engages with another therapist within the Lemon Drops Kids Therapy team, ensuring a coordinated and supportive approach. My role is to help guide this process — making sure the support you receive feels aligned, meaningful and sustainable for your family.

WORKING TOGETHER - WHAT TO EXPECT

As a social worker, my approach begins with understanding your family as a whole. During the intake process, I take the time to get a clear picture of your child, your family dynamics, and what is currently feeling challenging or overwhelming. From there, we develop a treatment plan together that is tailored specifically to your family’s needs. This may look different for every family. For some families, the focus may be on supporting caregivers to better understand and respond to their child. For others, it may include a combination of caregiver support and direct work with the child.

In some cases, I may work closely with caregivers while your child engages with another therapist within the Lemon Drops Kids Therapy team, ensuring a coordinated and supportive approach. My role is to help guide this process — making sure the support you receive feels aligned, meaningful and sustainable for your family.

WHO I WORK WITH

Children

Young people (teens)

Parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children (Autism, ADHD, PDA)

Young people exploring or identifying within LGBTQIA+ communities

HOW I WORK

CHILDREN

Where helpful, I may spend time getting to know your child to better understand their communication style, sensory needs and lived experience of the world. This supports a deeper understanding of what may be underneath behaviours, and helps inform the work we do together with caregivers.

YOUNG PEOPLE

With young people, I take a flexible, collaborative approach — meeting them where they are. This might look like conversation, shared activities, or simply spending time together in a way that feels safe and comfortable. My focus is on building trust, supporting self-expression and helping young people connect with their voice, strengths and values. I draw on narrative approaches to support young people to explore identity, externalise challenges, and make sense of their experiences within broader systems.

FAMILIES, PARENTS & CAREGIVERS

I take a whole-of-family approach, recognising that supporting a child also means supporting the people around them.

Often, the most meaningful changes happen when caregivers feel supported, confident and better equipped to understand their child.

This work may include:

Deepening understanding of your child’s neurodivergent experience

Exploring identity, community and belonging

Gently unlearning patterns that no longer serve your family

Building practical, neuroaffirming supports and routines

Strengthening co-regulation, connection and communication

Exploring intergenerational patterns with care and curiosity

HOBBIES / INTERESTS

I am nerdy about indigenous ground covers and alternative world making ideas. My special interests for a long time have been the autistic/ADHD/PDA experience, making wonky things with my hands and indigenous gardening.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Social Work (Hon) from RMIT

Certificate of Therapeutic Horticulture - CERES VIC.

Parent of 2 neurodivergent Kids ;)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Registered Social Worker with The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)