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Appendix C

Resources

Free Chapter

A curated collection of the books, websites, and organisations referenced in this voyage. This list is a starting point, not an exhaustive map.

1. Crisis & Emergency Support (Immediate Help)

If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support).
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (mental health support).
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7 support for young people).
  • 13YARN: 13 92 76 (crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
  • 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (domestic, family, and sexual violence support).
  • Parentline: parentline.org.au
    • Professional counselling and support for parents and carers across Australia. State-specific numbers include NSW (1300 1300 52), QLD/NT (1300 30 1300), and VIC (13 22 89).

2. Understanding Neurotypes (The Currents)

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • Website: ADHD Australia - adhdaustralia.org.au
    • National advocacy and support for ADHD in Australia.
  • Website: ADHD Foundation Australia - adhdfoundation.org.au
    • Community education, fact sheets, and resources for families.
  • Book: Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley, PhD.
    • The definitive science-based guide on executive function and management.
  • Book: ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD.
    • Focuses on the strengths and "Ferrari engine" metaphor of the ADHD brain.

Autism / ASD

  • Website: Reframing Autism - reframingautism.org.au
    • Australian-led autistic advocacy with practical resources for families.
  • Website: Yellow Ladybugs - yellowladybugs.com.au
    • Dedicated to the happiness and success of autistic girls and women. Excellent resources on internalised autism.
  • Website: Positive Partnerships - positivepartnerships.com.au
    • Government-funded workshops and online modules for parents and schools.
  • Book: Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant, PhD.
    • A paradigm-shifting book that reframes "autistic behaviours" as human coping mechanisms.
  • Book: NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman.
    • A comprehensive history of autism and the neurodiversity movement.
  • Book: The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida.
    • A profound window into the mind of a non-speaking autistic boy.

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy)

  • Website: PDA Society (UK) - pdasociety.org.uk
    • The world's leading resource on PDA. Offers free downloads, training, and case studies.
  • Website: Reframing Autism (PDA guide) - reframingautism.org.au
    • Australian PDA guidance with affirming language and practical strategies.
  • Book: The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker.
    • An illustrated guide that captures the humour and exhaustion of PDA parenting perfectly.
  • Book: Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA by Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie.
    • Essential for navigating school accommodations for PDAers.

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) & Behaviour

  • Website: Lives in the Balance - livesinthebalance.org
    • Dr. Ross Greene's organisation. Free resources on the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.
  • Book: The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene, PhD.
    • Must-read for ODD. Moves from "compliance" to "collaboration."
  • Book: Beyond Behaviours by Mona Delahooke, PhD.
    • Uses neuroscience to explain "bad behaviour" as stress responses.

3. Navigation Tools (Parenting Strategy)

Government & Carer Support

  • Website: Carer Gateway - carergateway.gov.au
    • Essential AU government service. Provides free counselling, coaching, respite, and peer support for carers. Call 1800 422 737.
  • Website: Services Australia (Carers) - servicesaustralia.gov.au
    • Information on the Carer Allowance and Carer Payment.

Sensory Processing

  • Book: The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz.
    • The classic introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
  • Website: STAR Institute - sensoryhealth.org
    • Research and education on sensory health.

Legal & Educational Advocacy (Support Plans)

  • Website: Disability Advocacy Finder (DSS) - dss.gov.au/disability-advocacy-finder
    • Find local disability advocates across Australia.
  • Website: Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) - cyda.org.au
    • National advocacy and resources for children and young people with disability.
  • Book: From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam Wright and Pete Wright.
    • A tactical guide to organising records, writing letters, and negotiating.

Co-Parenting & Family Law

  • Website: Family Relationships Online - familyrelationships.gov.au
    • Government advice on separating, parenting plans, and dispute resolution.
  • Website: Relationships Australia - relationships.org.au
    • Counselling, mediation, and family dispute resolution services. Call 1300 364 277.
  • Book: The Co-Parenting Handbook by Karen Bonnell.
    • A practical guide for separated parents navigating shared parenting arrangements.
  • Book: Co-parenting with a Toxic Ex by Amy J. L. Baker and Paul R. Fine.
    • Strategies for high-conflict situations and parallel parenting.
  • App: OurFamilyWizard - ourfamilywizard.com
    • The court-standard app for documenting communication and expenses.

4. Podcasts & Audio (Listen While You Sail)

  • Podcast: The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast (hosted by Monique Mitchelson & Dr. Michelle Livock).
    • Australian clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist discussing neurodivergence in girls and women. Essential listening.
  • Podcast: Too Peas in a Podcast (hosted by Mandy Hose & Kate Jones).
    • Two Australian mums chatting about raising children with disabilities. Funny, raw, and validating.

5. Captain's Wellness (Parent Support)

  • Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA.
    • Essential reading for understanding the physiology of stress.
  • Book: Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff, PhD.
    • Antidote to the shame and "inner critic" of special needs parenting.
  • App: Insight Timer
    • Free meditation app with specific tracks for anxiety and sleep.

Disclaimer: The resources listed here are for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of every viewpoint expressed. Always consult with your own medical, legal, and educational teams for specific advice.

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