Return to flip book view
NEURODIVERGENTEMPOWERED Empowering Autistic Kids, Teens & Adults to Connect, Create, and ThriveOur multiple award‐winning, neurodivergent‐led safe space — created by autistictrailblazers.Neurodivergent Empowered is home to our neurodivergent‐affirming, therapist‐led groups,created to support autistic individuals in a world not built for our brains.We are recognised for innovation, inclusion, and leadership, with awards including (but notlimited to):2025 GlobalWomen Changingthe World Gold(Children’sEducation) 2025 GlobalWomen Changingthe World Bronze(Advocacy Impact)2024 BeamAwards –CommunityLeader of the Year2024 Stevie®Gold – GlobalFemaleExecutive of theYear2024 SunshineCoast BusinessAwards - GoldWinner -Education Award2024 GlobalRecognitionAward forDisabilityInclusion2024AusMumpreneur -Gold Winner -Against the OddsAward2024AusMumpreneur -Silver Winner -Disability ServicesAwardNDIS INFO: Message
WHO WEAREAboutNeurodivergent Empowered is proud to be part of the Sparkly Alien Collective — a global movementdedicated to building a world where being different is celebrated and authenticity is a strength.As the NDIS‐certified service arm of the Collective, we provide world‐class therapeutic services forautistic and ADHD individuals, led by a neurodivergent team who live the values we teach.Through our programs — including Phoenix Friends, Phoenix Connections, parent support, andcollaboration with therapy teams — we:Nourish the nervous system with practices grounded in neuroscience, mindfulness, and sensoryawareness.Celebrate identity by creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals feel seen, valued, andunderstood.Implement therapeutic learnings in a supportive group environment, helping participants practicenew skills in real time with peers.Build social confidence and authentic connections through interest‐based, affirming activities.Empower individuals and families to thrive, with tools and strategies that extend into daily life.MissionTo provide world‐class, NDIS‐certified therapeuticservices for autistic and ADHD individuals, led by aneurodivergent team who live the values we teach.Through Phoenix Friends, Phoenix Connections,parent support, and collaboration with therapyteams, we nourish the nervous system, celebrateidentity, and empower individuals and families tothrive.Together with the Sparkly Alien Collective,Neurodivergent Empowered ensures that everyindividual and family has access to world‐class,neurodivergent‐affirming support — building aworld where you can be unapologetically Free to BeMe.www.neurodivergentempowered.comCore ValuesAuthenticity – You were never meant to beanyone else.Joy – Your happiness is not a bonus—it’s abirthright.Connection – Safe relationships are how wegrow, not by being “fixed.”Safety – Emotional and sensory safety comesbefore success.Empowerment – We walk alongside you, notabove you.Accessibility – Everyone deserves to reachwhat helps them thrive.
WHATMAKES USDIFFERENTSENSORY-SAFE. CONNECTION-LED.NEURODIVERGENT-AFFIRMING. At Neurodivergent Empowered, we do things differently — on purpose. Our approach centres onhonouring each person’s unique brain, body, and experience.As the NDIS‐certified service arm of the Sparkly Alien Collective, we bring world‐class,neurodivergent‐affirming practice into therapeutic group environments designed especially for autisticand ADHD individuals. Here’s what sets us apart:NEURODIVERGENT-LED &TRAUMA-INFORMEDWe’re not here to “fix” people — we’re here towalk with them. Our team is made up ofneurodivergent individuals with lived experienceand qualified training. We understand traumaand difference from the inside out, and we buildspaces where people feel seen, heard, and safe.SENSORY-AWARE & INTEREST-BASEDWe prioritise sensory safety and sensory joyin everything we do. From lighting andtextures to sound and transitions, weco‐create environments that supportregulation and wellbeing. Our sessions arebuilt around what lights people up — not justwhat’s on a checklist.NO PRESSURE TO MASKMasking can be exhausting and harmful. In ourprograms, you are safe to unmask. Whether youstim, need silence, want to info‐dump, or just sitin the corner with your headphones — wewelcome you, just as you are.EMPOWERMENT > COMPLIANCEWe don’t use rewards to shape behaviour orenforce “social skills.” Instead, we focus onbuilding self‐trust, agency, and authenticengagement. We believe in collaboration, notcontrol.“ We focus on Nervous System Nourishment. Regulation before participation. Safetybefore success. We support individuals in understanding their nervous system statesand provide tools to feel more grounded, connected, and empowered.” - Tan Through the Sparkly Alien Collective, Neurodivergent Empowered is part of a continuum of support— from self‐paced tools and global community programs to not‐for‐profit access initiatives andNDIS‐funded therapeutic services — ensuring no one is left behind in their pursuit of authentic joyand belonging.
At the Sparkly Alien Collective, we’re not just reimagining what support looks like for neurodivergentindividuals — we’re leading a global movement rooted in authenticity, safety, empowerment, joy, andaccessibility.From a grassroots beginning to a multi‐award‐winning, internationally recognised organisation, our workis creating ripples of change across families, schools, workplaces, and communities worldwide.Through our NDIS‐certified service arm, Neurodivergent Empowered, we have supported thousands ofautistic and ADHD individuals and their families with:Innovative therapeutic programs and supportsThe award‐winning Phoenix Friends and Phoenix Connections groupsInterest‐based mentoring and leadership developmentParent and carer empowerment programsOURGLOBALIMPACTOUR GLOBAL IMPACT& RECOGNITIONBOOKS, KEYNOTES & GLOBALPRESENTATIONSOur founder, Tanya Hicks, is the author of theinternationally celebrated Sparkly AlienEmpowerment Series — guiding people who haveever felt different, unseen, or “too much” to liveempowered, connected, and joyful lives.These books are becoming essential resources for:Individuals seeking to embrace theirauthenticityFamilies, therapists, educators, and leadersOrganisations adopting affirming and inclusivepracticesAlongside Tanya’s authorship, our collective ofspecialists delivers keynote presentations and professional trainings internationally, with stagesspanning:Australia / Ireland / The UK / Canada / London (GlobalWomen Changing the World Awards 2025) / Moreglobal locations booked next year!Our empowering talks and professional developmentworkshops focus on (but are not limited to):Inclusive understanding of minority and marginalisedexperiencesNeuro-affirming reframes of autism, ADHD, and PDAMovement-based, trauma-informed strategies fornervous system supportCreating sensory-safe, inclusive environments ineducation and workspacesCelebrating diversity through values-led, strengths-based practice
OURGLOBALIMPACTAWARDS & HONOURS2025 GLOBAL WOMENCHANGING THE WORLDAWARDS - LONDONTELSTRA BEST OF BUSINESSAWARDS 2024 - NATIONAL2024 STEVIE® AWARDS FORWOMEN IN BUSINESS - USAGold Winner – Overcoming The OddsAwardSilver Winner – Disabled BusinessExcellence AwardAUSMUMPRENEUR AWARDS 2024- NATIONAL Gold Winner - Children’s EducationBronze Winner - Advocacy & ImpactGold Stevie Winner – Female Executive ofthe Year (Sparkly Aliens Inc)Silver Stevie Winner – Female Executiveof the Year (NeurodivergentEmpowered)Silver Stevie Winner – Woman of the Year(Sparkly Aliens Inc)BEAM AWARDS 2024 - NATIONALGold Winner – Community Leader of theYear Finalist – Excellence in Diversity andInclusion Finalist – Woman of the Year Finalist – Championing Health Finalist – Outstanding GrowthQUEENSLAND AUTISTICBUSINESS AWARDS 2023Winner – Emerging Community LeaderAwardSUNSHINE COAST COMMUNITYGALA AWARDS 2022Winner – ND / Autistic ExcellenceProvider of the Year
WE LEADFROM THEH.E.A.R.T.HOW WE LEAD FROM THE HEART.At the Sparkly Alien Collective — including our NDIS‐certified service arm, NeurodivergentEmpowered — we lead from the HEART. How we show up for our clients, our team, and ourselvesis grounded in our core values of Authenticity, Joy, Connection, Safety, Empowerment, andAccessibility. We embody these values in every interaction, with every person, every day.H IS FOR HONOUR AUTHENTICITYWe show up as our empowered selves —no masking, no pretending.We create spaces where you can feelsafe to be yourself, without shame, fixing,or pressure to conform.We stay open to reflection, feedback, andgrowth, so we can better honour yours.A IS FOR AMPLIFY ACCESSIBILITYE IS FOR EMBODY EMPOWERMENTWe model empowered living, showingthat neurodivergence is not a deficit but astrength.Empowerment means respecting limitsand pacing, so trust and sustainability cangrow.We take responsibility for our choices andenergy while supporting others to do thesame.T IS FOR TRUST AND BUILDSAFETYWe build trust through consistency,care, and clear communication.Connection comes from safety, notpressure — and laughter andlightness are powerful tools forregulation.When things go wrong, we repairwith kindness, not defensiveness.Every brain and body is different — andthat’s a strength.We stay curious, flexible, and proactive inremoving barriers, ensuring supports are R IS FOR RADIATECONNECTION AND JOYWe bring warmth, humour, andkindness into every interaction.Safety is a shared experience —emotional, sensory, and physical.We intentionally create spaces wherepeople feel calm, welcomed, and freeto thrive. inclusive and affirming.Accessibility isn’t just about access— it’s about dignity, ease, andbelonging.This is how the Sparkly Alien Collective — through Neurodivergent Empowered, Sparkly Aliens,Sparkly Aliens Inc., and The Sparkly Alien — delivers support and leadership that changes lives.
HOW TOGETSTARTEDSENSORY-SAFE. CONNECTION-LED.NEURODIVERGENT-AFFIRMING.As the NDIS‐certified service arm of the Sparkly Alien Collective, Neurodivergent Empoweredprovides therapeutic groups designed to support autistic and ADHD individuals in a world not builtfor our brains.After reading through this document, you can:Complete our contact form: www.neurodivergentempowered.com/contactBook a free 15‐minute chat with Cat: Calendly Link(to discuss whether a particular session is the right fit for you or your child)STEP 1: EXPLORE OUR SESSIONSAll our sessions are interest‐based, strengths‐focused, and aligned with your NDIS goals. We aim to build confidence, authentic connection, and self‐awareness — in a way that feels safe,joyful, and empowering.
ProgramAge GroupWeekdayRateWeekendRateEarly Intervention5 to 8$64.66/hrN/AChildren9 to 12$45/hr$55/hrTeens13 to 18$45/hr$55/hrAdults18+$35/hrN/AAnimal AssistedAll Ages$64.66/hrN/AEXPLOREOURSESSIONS“ We focus on Nervous System Nourishment. Regulation before participation. Safetybefore success. We support individuals in understanding their nervous system statesand provide tools to feel more grounded, connected, and empowered.” - Tan NDIS Registration ID: 4-K6GFD9REarly Childhood Supports Registration No: 780528APS Membership Number: 354431ACA Membership Number: R82053Incorporation Number: IA4786828FEES
OURTHERAPYLEADERSEarly Intervention Practitioner – Psychology (Hons)Cat offers play-based, compassionate supportsthat celebrate children’s sensory needs, identity,and emotional world.EARLY INTERVENTION &PSYCHOLOGY - GROUPSCATHERINE BEHRINGER -MEMBER OF APSABBEY BAKER - MEMBER OF APSEarly Intervention Practitioner – Psychology (Hons)Abbey focuses on relationship-based support thatbuilds safety, emotional literacy, and confidentself-expression.CHRISTINE DOYLE - MEMBER OFQCTEarly Intervention Practitioner – Education(Special Education)Christine provides relationship‐based support thatfosters safety, emotional literacy, and confidentself‐expression in neurodivergent children/parentsRegistered Neurodivergent-Affirming Counsellor Founder of Neurodivergent Empowered andSparkly Aliens Inc., Tanya brings trauma-informed, identity-affirming support for autisticand ADHD individuals of all ages. Her workblends counselling, nervous system nourishment,mindfulness, movement, and authenticempowerment.Our therapeutic supports are grounded in lived experience, professional excellence, and a shared passionfor empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive.The heart of our model is group‐based therapy, where supports are woven seamlessly into discussions andactivities that align with participants’ shared interests. This reflects our neurodivergent‐affirming approach,recognising that traditional face‐to‐face models are often not best practice for our community. Instead, weprioritise relational safety, interest‐based engagement, and natural skill development in environmentswhere participants feel genuinely seen, respected, and comfortable.While group supports are our core focus, we also create opportunities for additional formats — such asparent coaching, professional development, and community events — to ensure our participants andfamilies can access support in ways that best meet their needs.TANYA HICKS - PROFESSIONALMEMBER OF ACATHERAPY &COUNSELLING - GROUPSALLIED HEALTH ROBBIE ELLETT - MEMBER OFAHPRAOccupational TherapistRobbie specialises in supporting the mentalhealth and well-being of teens and adults. Witha strengths-based and relational style, Robbieworks to build capacity in everyday life whilehonouring each individual’s unique processingprofile and lived experience.
Default Claiming Codes (based on your eligibility in Improved Daily Living)Children under 9 years:15_005_0118_1_3 – Early Childhood Supports – Early Childhood ProfessionalParticipants aged 9+:15_043_0128_1_3 – Counsellor – Assessment, Recommendation, Therapy or Training15_617_0128_1_3 - Occupational Therapist - Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training15_053_0128_1_3 - Therapy Assistant - Level 2Carers/Parents (when eligible):15_038_0117_1_3 – Training for Carers/ParentsNDIS PROVIDER& INVOICINGINFORMATIONDEFAULT REGISTERED NDIS CLAIMING CODESCORE:Assistance with Daily LifeAssistance with Social, Economic &Community ParticipationWe are a Certified and Verified NDIS Provider of Therapeutic Supports.NDIS Provider Registration Number: 4-K6GFD9RADDITIONAL NDIS APPROVED SUPPORT CATEGORIES& CLAIMING CODES WE HAVE BEEN APPROVED ANDREGISTERED WITH THE NDIS TO INVOICE UNDER:CAPACITY BUILDING:Increased Social & Community ParticipationFinding & Keeping a JobImproved RelationshipsImproved LearningImproved Daily Living
COMPLETEONBOARDINGBefore you attend your first session you will be provided access to your own portal and be required tocomplete: A personalised Empowerment Plan to help guide our supportAn NDIS Service Agreement outlining your sessions and fundingUpload of any relevant medical or support documents We use the Program of Support model, which secures your weekly spot for the duration of yourfunding period. This model supports predictability, emotional safety, and relational trust, whichare vital to growth and regulation for many neurodivergent people.
At Neurodivergent Empowered, we partner with you to ensure the best outcomes for your clientsthrough:Information-sharing (with client consent) after each sessionKeeping therapy and support teams updatedExploring ways to integrate therapeutic goals into our group-based, interest-driven supportsOur collaborative approach builds consistency across the client’s full circle of care — ensuring relationalsafety, continuity, and meaningful growth.Book a complimentary 30-minute conversation to explore how we can work together to support yourclients: {https://calendly.com/sparkly-neurodivergentempowered/free-30-min-chat-professional-development-req-clone?month=2025-08}COLLABORATION WITHSUPPORT COORDINATORS &THERAPY TEAMSPROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTThrough our partnership with Sparkly Aliens, we offer transformative professional developmentexperiences grounded in:Neurodivergent‐affirming practiceTrauma‐informed careCurrent neuroscienceDeep lived experienceDesigned for educators, therapists, families, and organisations across the Sunshine Coast, our trainingsequip you to create safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for neurodivergent children — includingthose with Autism, ADHD, PDA, anxiety, and complex emotional needs.FOR EDUCATORS, THERAPISTS, PARENTS &ORGANISATIONS ACROSS THE SUNSHINE COAST
OURCONTACTBook a FREE 15 Minute Telephone Consult here.{https://calendly.com/sparkly-neurodivergentempowered/15mins}Contact us via writing here.{https://www.neurodivergentempowered.com/contact}www.neurodivergentempowered.comRumba Resort - Shop 3. Tucked in behind Hoggs Breath.Car Park is , 10 Leeding Tce,Caloundra, 4551.