Carol Hegan - Developmental Educator and Behaviour Support Practitioner

I am a neuroaffirming developmental educator and behaviour support practitioner who works alongside neurodivergent individuals, families, and support networks to build understanding, connection, and meaningful participation in everyday life.

My approach is grounded in the belief that behaviour is communication, and that neurodivergent ways of thinking, feeling, moving, and communicating are not problems to be fixed; they are differences to be understood and supported.

I support children, young people, adults and families by:
• Exploring the underlying needs, strengths, and environmental factors influencing behaviour
• Supporting emotional regulation, communication differences, sensory needs, and executive functioning
• Reducing distress by adapting environments, expectations, and supports rather than changing the person
• Building practical, strengths-based strategies that work across home, school, and community settings

My work is informed by lived experience, contemporary research, and a human rights and neurodiversity-affirming lens. I prioritise collaboration – with families, educators, therapists, and community supports – to ensure strategies are realistic, respectful, and sustainable.

I have particular experience supporting:
• Autistic and ADHD individuals (including AuDHD)
• Children and young people with emotional regulation challenges
• Complex communication and sensory profiles
• Families navigating NDIS planning, reviews, and evidence-based reporting
• Schools and services seeking inclusive, practical support strategies

Above all, my goal is to help neurodivergent individuals feel safe, understood, capable, and valued, while empowering the people around them with the knowledge and confidence to support them well.