Nelle Frances Autism Education Consultant & Trainer

24/10/2025

NDIS bureaucracy gone mad!

Today I witnessed before the Joint Standing Committee alongside some incredible advocates including Stevie Lang Howson who gave a compelling account of what happens when the system stops seeing people as individuals. I wanted to bring you what he had to say it will make your jaw drop! He descr...

21/10/2025

Absolutely vital ⭐️

Recess, unstructured play, and physical activity are essential for child development. Let’s make sure our kids have the space to move, explore, and grow. Every jump, skip, and run helps them build confidence and creativity. 🏃‍♂️🌳

21/10/2025

One in 31 kids is Autistic. Teacher training still treats autism like an elective. That is not education. That is denial.

Autistic students are in every classroom, yet most teachers receive little to no real training on how we learn, communicate, or process sensory input. Inclusion without understanding is not inclusion at all.

Classrooms remain filled with flickering fluorescent lights, clanging bells, and rigid expectations. Teachers are told to differentiate for all learners, yet Autistic students are too often left out of that promise. They are expected to sit still in sensory chaos, communicate in neurotypical ways, and fit in rather than be understood.

It is not that teachers do not care. The problem is that systems do not prepare them. Autism is not rare anymore. It is part of the modern classroom.

It is time for education systems to evolve. One in thirty-one is not rare. It is reality

21/10/2025

Turning Feedback into Reflection

In a recent Sensory Detective® Workshop, feedback highlighted the reality that some educators are working within schools that provide exceptional autism-supportive practices—quiet sensory rooms, self-advocacy programs, case managers and well-trained staff.

These environments are outstanding examples of what’s possible when schools embed sensory and social-emotional supports into everyday practice.

But here’s the key point: this is not the norm across the board.

Every week, I work with autistic clients (and their families) who are still navigating schools where these supports are not in place—or are inconsistently applied. My research and client base reflect that reality. While it’s inspiring to hear about inclusive schools, it’s equally important to highlight the gaps that remain elsewhere.

Workshops like mine aim to raise awareness of both the progress we’ve made and the challenges still present. When we only share the positive, families who are struggling may feel unseen or dismissed. When we only share the negative, educators who are doing great work may feel unrecognised. The truth sits in the middle.

To those schools already leading the way—you are proof of what’s possible.
To those still on the journey—there’s more work to be done to ensure consistency across all settings.

Autism-affirming education is not a “bonus”—it’s a right. And until every student has equitable access to sensory-aware, supportive environments, these conversations remain vital.

17/10/2025

01/10/2025

The Answer’s Always Sensory… what the???

Nelle’s workshop proves that when autistic people shutdown / meltdown it’s not “behaviour”, it’s sensory dysregulation.

The Sensory Detective® Workshop teaches you to:
*Identify sensory triggers behind meltdowns and shutdowns
*Understand the link between sensory distress, anxiety and function
*Implement step-by-step strategies to reduce overwhelm at home, in school and in the community
*Support autistic people confidently

Essential PD for: -
* Therapists & Allied Health Professionals
* Teachers & Educators
* * Support Workers & Behaviour Specialists
Parents & Carers

Date: 16-10-25
Location: Kawana Surf Club, 99 Pacific Boulevard Buddina Qld 4575
Tickets: $245:00 NDIS claimable for parents / carers.

Nelle’s autism workshop guarantees to completely reframe how you support autistic people.

Register now to secure your place:

8:30 AM Thu 16 Oct at Kawana Surf Club, Buddina, QLD. Sensory Detective Autism Workshop Psychologists, Allied Health Therapists, Support Coordinators, Behaviour Specialists, Support Workers, Teachers & Families The Workshop HANDOUT NOTES will be emailed ...

30/09/2025

Too clever!

I have some sad news to report.

I have only one Paracetamol left... this is the end of my Autism... after I take this last tablet in four hours from now I'll be... Neurotypical. Thank you for embracing my Autism with me over the years but now... I must go....

Who am I kidding... Autism is a born-with Neurological condition caused by Mummy and Daddy having s*x in the bedroom. I'm here to stay bi***es 🤣🤣🤣

23/09/2025

Yes! Still helping others understand autism! Workshop happening at Kawana (Surf Club) Qld 16-10-25 . Tickets still available. Grab your ticket here https://www.stickytickets.com.au:8010/EV48C

Two people using their story to empower and advocate for people to at the - Nelle and Sam.

Share below if you are grateful for the work they do.

22/09/2025

For autistics everyday environments are often overwhelming, and triggering. These sensory experiences are their everyday neurological reality.
At the Sensory Detective® Workshop, Nelle Frances equips educators, therapists and families with strategies to identify sensory impacts and create calm, connected spaces.
It's never too early (or late) to embed sensory-first supports that build emotional regulation, communication and confidence across the lifespan.
Join the Sensory Detective workshop and discover practical ways to support autistic people from the ground up. KAWANA Q 16 October 2025

Register https://www.stickytickets.com.au/EV48C

18/09/2025

The Sensory Detective® Workshop – Teaching Through a Sensory Lens
Discover how sensory experiences shape student learning, regulation and engagement.
From early childhood to primary, high school, TAFE, and university – this workshop with Nelle Frances offers practical strategies that will transform the way you understand and support Autistic students.
Step inside the Autistic sensory world and learn how to:
+ Recognise sensory triggers behind student behaviours
+ Support regulation without relying on “behaviour management”
+ Design sensory-aware classrooms where all students can thrive
+ Build respectful, meaningful connections with Autistic learners
This full-day professional learning blends neuroscience, cognition, and lived experience, giving you tools you can apply immediately in your classroom.
Who should attend?
* Early childhood educators
* Primary & secondary teachers
* Learning support staff
* TAFE, VET & university instructors
* Special education professionals
Move beyond compliance and into sensory-informed practice that empowers you and your students.
This isn’t just PD – it’s a shift in how we teach and connect!
REGISTER TODAY

8:30 AM Thu 16 Oct at Kawana Surf Club, Buddina, QLD. Sensory Detective Autism Workshop Psychologists, Allied Health Therapists, Support Coordinators, Behaviour Specialists, Support Workers, Teachers & Families The Workshop HANDOUT NOTES will be emailed ...

18/09/2025

⚡ Attention: Support Coordinators & Behaviour Support Practitioners ⚡

How many urgent funding requests, crisis calls, or plan changes could you prevent if you understood the sensory triggers driving your participants’ meltdowns or withdrawal?

👉 Up to 70% of crises can be avoided when sensory overwhelm is addressed proactively. Yet most behaviour support plans miss this vital piece – leaving teams reactive instead of prepared.

Join Nelle Frances (Sensory Specialist & Autism Therapist) at the Sensory Detective® Workshop – a full-day training designed specifically for support leaders like you.

You’ll learn how to:
✅ Identify environmental sensory triggers (lighting, soundscapes, textures) that destabilise participants
✅ Apply proactive sensory mapping techniques to strengthen NDIS reports
✅ Equip participants & families to communicate sensory needs before crises occur

📍 Workshop Details
🗓 Thursday 16 October 2025
📌 Kawana Surf Club, 99 Pacific Blvd, Buddina QLD
⏰ 9:00am – 3:30pm
🎟 $245 per person (discounts for 5+ registrants)

Create calmer, connected environments through sensory insight.
Seats are limited – book your ticket today and step into proactive practice.
https://www.stickytickets.com.au/EV48C

15/09/2025

The Sensory Detective® Workshop – Teaching Through a Sensory Lens
Discover how sensory experiences shape student learning, regulation and engagement.
From early childhood to primary, high school, TAFE, and university – this workshop with Nelle Frances offers practical strategies that will transform the way you understand and support Autistic students.
Step inside the Autistic sensory world and learn how to:
+ Recognise sensory triggers behind student behaviours
+ Support regulation without relying on “behaviour management”
+ Design sensory-aware classrooms where all students can thrive
+ Build respectful, meaningful connections with Autistic learners
This full-day professional learning blends neuroscience, cognition, and lived experience, giving you tools you can apply immediately in your classroom.
Who should attend?
* Early childhood educators
* Primary & secondary teachers
* Learning support staff
* TAFE, VET & university instructors
* Special education professionals
Move beyond compliance and into sensory-informed practice that empowers you and your students.
This isn’t just PD – it’s a shift in how we teach and connect!
REGISTER TODAY

Through immersive sensory experiences, you'll develop a neurological understanding of Autistic perception and behaviour as regulatory responses. The workshop provides evidence-based co-regulation strategies and sensory tools to improve therapeutic engagement and functional outcomes.