Hazel Brown

ABOUT ME

I am a queer autistic mum of two wonderful neurodivergent children.

I have worked with people experiencing family violence, LGBTQI+ communities, in education support, school wellbeing, play therapy, family and youth counselling.

I have lived experience as a late identified autistic in the queer community and in caring for children with Autistic, PDA and ADHD neurotypes.

I love supporting young people to develop strong Autistic identity and community, as well as deep knowledge of themselves and the advocacy skills necessary to survive and thrive in systems that are yet to catch up.

MY APPROACH

My practice is informed by neuroscience, developmental psychology, feminist and queer theory and is always person-centred and trauma-informed. I love getting to know new families and young people; their unique personalities, quirks, strengths and struggles.

Young People

When I work with young people, we will follow their lead. Sometimes this means we will hang out with our dogs, use games or art, mindfulness or walking and talking. I aim to create a relaxed experience of relational safety, and gently build trust in the value of being interdependent, vulnerable and sharing emotions.

I aim to always be authentic and respectful and meet young people where they are at, supporting them as they find their way to trusting in their own voice and abilities and building effective communities of support.

I will often borrow ideas from Narrative Therapy helping young people start to identify their values and place in the world. This work can include externalising problems, considering stories we cling to about ourselves and the world and identifying the personal impact of living under harmful systems.

Families, Parents/Caregivers

I care deeply about working together with families and taking a whole-of-family approach where possible and welcome the involvement of parent's, grandparents, siblings and caregivers. As such I offer regular or as needed parent/caregiver support and counselling.

I also recognize that when a child or young person is struggling, or a family is in crisis, sometimes the most important thing is for a parent or caregiver to get some support themselves; a space just for them to offload, express pain, isolation, workshop approaches and learn new ones.  

I meet parents at different stages and in a variety of circumstances. Depending on their needs this could mean any or all of the following: 

  • Learning about on autistic/queer community, identity and culture.

  • Getting support to develop curiosity about the young person's unique experience. 

  • Collaborate on tailored neurodivergent-affirming family supports and routines that assist in nervous system regulation, co-regulation and build trust and connection in the family.

  • Discuss intergenerational factors or triggers.

WHO I WORK WITH

Young people aged 13 - 20 years old.

Parents and Caregivers of Autistic, ADHD and PDA young people and those who identify as or are questioning their possible LGBTQIA+ identity.

HOBBIES / INTERESTS

My brain lights up when talking about indigenous plants, gardening, dismantling old systems and alternative world making ideas. My special interests for a long time have been the autistic/adhd/pda experience, and making wonky things for my kids; a paintbrush out of my daughters hair, a sword out of a chopping board, an elaborately wobbly cubby or tree house.

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)