Affirming Connections provides inclusive support services for families with children who are neurodiverse specifically those with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and TGD (Trans and Gender Diverse) young people. I’m Aleasa Kermode, the founder of Affirming Connections, a family, education, and therapy support practice grounded in lived experience and professional expertise, especially in workin
g with PDA, autistic, and otherwise neurodivergent families. My qualifications include:
Diploma of Counselling
Master of Education (M.Ed)
Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours (BA Hons)
Graduate Diploma in Education (Grad Dip Ed)
Current teaching accreditation and registration with NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority)
Working With Children Check
Professionally, I’ve worked as a Primary School Principal, Education Officer, Instructional Leader, and teacher across both public and independent schools in NSW and Victoria. My lived experience as a neurodivergent, single parent raising a neurodivergent PDA child has deeply shaped the way I show up in this space, with compassion, curiosity, and a strong advocacy lens. I’m currently completing a PhD and have undertaken additional PDA-specific and trauma-informed training, including:
Polyvagal Therapy, Somatic Coaching, and Play Therapy certifications (CMA & IAOTh)
PDA Society (UK)
Kristy Forbes (InTune Pathways)
Jackie Hall (Parental Stress Centre)
Casey Ehrlich (At Peace Parents)
Under NDIS Capacity Building "Other Professional" for Early Childhood Intervention and Supports for children aged 7 years and over, I am considered an appropriate therapeutic support provider. Other Professional NDIS support item encompasses personalised assessments and professional guidance for therapies or training. Other Professional NDIS support involves collaboration with qualified non-medical professionals who review a participant's needs and goals. These experts devise tailored strategies and recommendations that fall outside traditional therapy categories, ensuring an inclusive approach to participant support. Their expertise often spans various areas, including but not limited to educational, vocational, and recreational aspects. This allows me to provide specialised assessments, strategies, and recommendations aligned with NDIS goals, particularly around education, parenting, and community participation. I can also offer support as a Counsellor through the Capacity Building: Counsellor line item. You can see more about my services here:
🌐 affirmingconnections.com.au/services
It's so important that families can feel safe, informed, and confident in who they’re working with. If you have any other questions, I’d be more than happy to chat! Warmly,
Aleasa
