Quirky Dietetics

24/09/2025

I don't have the spoons to put together a nuanced post regarding current statements around "causes of autism". Yellow Ladybugs really said it best (I might need a few panadol and a good nap to get me through).

We’re taking a short break from social media while our team are on leave. At the same time, we know there will be conversations globally around autism, that may share harmful and inaccurate ideas about the “cause” of autism. These kinds of narratives can feel heavy and damaging for our community.

We want to leave you with these protective reminders:
💛 Autism is not caused by vaccines, parenting, or diet. Autistic people have always been part of humanity.
💛 Harmful claims do not change the truth of our lived experience, or the strength and beauty in our community.
💛 You don’t need to engage with every harmful comment or headline. Protect your energy.
💛 Surround your feed with autistic voices, affirming psychologists, trusted researchers, and good allies. Look to the people who reflect your values and share accurate information.
💛 Choose if, when, and how you wish to advocate in response. You don’t need to enter every discussion you are invited to. But if you do want to respond, know you have a community behind you.
💛 Focus on the communities and organisations that affirm who you are, not those that drain you.

Take gentle care of yourselves. We stand with you in love and solidarity, and we’ll be back online soon after the school holidays. 💛🐞

08/06/2025

Had THE best time at the Yellow Ladybugs Conference in Melbourne with neurokin. This was of course followed by several days of foodie paradise. 😋

03/06/2025

03/06/2025

Anyone else attending the Yellow Ladybugs conference this year? This is my first year attending virtually and then in person and to say I'm excited is an understatement!!

We’ve officially launched!
Today marks the beginning of the Yellow Ladybugs 2025 Conference:, supporting autistic girls and gender diverse students at school and beyond.

Our theme for Day 1 is: Building Foundations - setting the stage for inclusion, safety, and support.

If you have a ticket, you can login using the email address you purchased your ticket www.ylbconference.com.au or by downloading the vFairs app!

Take a look at our agenda!

9:30am AEST
Welcome Day 1
Katie Koullas open the conference by highlighting key challenges and introducing the themes we’ll explore across the three days.

9:50am AEST
Back to Basics: Learn How Classrooms Can be Inclusive and Affirming for Our Ladybugs
With Adina Levy, Em Hammond, and Ebony Birch-Hanger

10:50am AEST
Creating Safe Spaces for Anxious Autistic Brains: Understanding Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Responses
With Chelsea Luker and Chenai Mupotsa-Russell

12:00pm AEST
Supporting the Sensory Needs of Our Ladybugs
With Claire Britton and Steph Robertson

1:00pm AEST
Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others: Managing Parental Stress and Avoiding Burnout
With Mel Spencer, Sarah Hayden, and Cassandra Allen

1:45pm AEST
Energy Regulation: Leveling Up Our Support for Our Ladybugs
With Dr Amy Laurent and Dr Jac Fede

2:40pm AEST
Friendships and Safe Relationships: Recognising Red Flags and Green Flags
With Frances Brennan, Annelil Desille, and Caitlin Hughes

4:00pm AEST
Challenging School Systems: Scripts and Strategies for Families
With Kelsie Olds (The Occuplaytional Therapist)

We’re so proud to be centring lived experience and practical solutions today.
Let us know what you’re tuning into and tag us using - we’d love to see where in the world you’re joining us from!

19/05/2025

I am always amazed at the amount of information parents hold in their heads regarding their children's feeding preferences and meeting everyone's sensory needs. Throw in a few allergies and/or intolerances- planning for family meals can be a real challenge!

I thought that this comic really demonstrated what it is like feeding a multiply neurodivergent family!

Reach out if I can support you in navigating this!

03/02/2025

We had a great first experience wearing our sunflower lanyards at both Sydney and Gold Coast airports. The staff were very accommodating and helped us to get through the security checks and onto the plane first.

03/02/2025

So excited to have gotten tickets to the Yellow Ladybugs conference after missing out last year!

Looking to connect with other neurokin and soak up lots of knowledge and awesomeness that I can pass on to my amazing clients.

Yellow Ladybugs is a non-government organisation, dedicated to the happiness, success and celebration of autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals.

18/12/2024

Wishing all of my wonderful clients, humans and their pets a wonderful festive season. It's been such a pleasure working with you. I will be taking a break over Christmas- my last day of work will be December 20th and I will be back on board Jan 16th 2025.

Wishing you a season that meets the needs of you, your family and kiddos and that you are able to fit in a bit of rest!

Here is something that I did for myself over the silly season- attended a gorgeous floral wreath making class with dried flowers.

07/07/2024

If you are looking for a fantastic neurodivergent human to follow on social media, Toren shares his experience of growing up as a neurodivergent person with ARFID and I really enjoy his posts!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/sjJRNDMLaSZLA6zR/?mibextid=oFDknk

16/03/2024

A fantastic summary of the importance of neuro-affirming nutrition care and feeding practices

https://www.theinformedslp.com/review/How-to-Nourish-Neurodiversity-Some-considerations-for-neuroaffirming-feeding-supports?fbclid=IwAR09_kTv-7qdzv6H_mc1js3e2mBuWo4JTpc57gsM3zN3CuzQmHSp9CcBgQM

Neuroaffirming care principles aren’t just useful for providing communication supports. They can also help us change the way we approach feeding with children and families.

18/01/2024

AND WE'RE BACK!!!

OK- Well... I'm back!!!

Happy 2024, all!

Quirky Dietetics will be open 3 days a week this year.

- Mondays and Thursdays via telehealth
- Friday at Katoomba Neurodiversity Hub

I have many exciting plans for this year and am excited to continue working and advocating in the space of weight neutral and neuroaffirming care.