Busselton mental health worker providing education and support for neurodivergent women of all ages in SW

A Busselton mental health worker with a focus on helping neurodivergent women of all ages in the South West says self-destructive behaviours often cease with the right support. Renee Cassidy, an accredited mental health social worker with more than two decades of experience, said unsupported neurodivergences could leave women feeling lost, alone and helpless. But she said living in the regions was particularly tough for neurodivergent people because of a stark lack of resources. “I mean at the moment it’s a two-year wait to see a psychiatrist,” Ms Cassidy said. “It’s very expensive and a lot of people can’t afford it, so I enable people to attend regardless whether they have a formal diagnosis, because I believe that by learning what’s happening and the strategies, it will assist with a lot of the symptoms. “One of the things that is really, really frustrating for neurodivergent people is when a lot of people say it ‘oh, everybody’s a little bit ADHD’ and that makes me really sad. “It can be really hard and people are not saying or behaving in that manner because they have a choice. “It’s about kindness and understanding from the individual perspective, the impact that it has and that we all need to work together because it just makes for a better community.” She said creating an accepting space for girls and women could make all the difference. “The self-harming, substance use, rage, frustration, acting out, it ceases,” Ms Cassidy said. “Their whole behaviour changes because they develop an understanding that it’s not them, that it’s a misunderstanding throughout the system around them.” For the past 18 months, Ms Cassidy has facilitated the neurodivergent support group Just Notice, hosting educational support groups discussing brain functions, emotional regulation, friendships, relationships, lifestyle, food and more. During the workshops, participants can engage in other activities such as making mobiles, jewellery and art, which Ms Cassidy believes helps them actively process the information. “I started to see a need to support girls, particularly around the time that hormones kick in around puberty and adolescence ... because this is when education and friendships as well as relationships in the home start to become very, very difficult,” she said. “Generally, neurodivergent people are quite if not highly intelligent in specific fields based upon the individual, but the problem is that the education system doesn’t provide for their needs. “What comes about from that is you then form a belief that you’re stupid because you don’t understand it and then you give up — it’s really, really hard.” Lifeline 13 11 14