Frances McCafferty

Background

About Frances McCafferty

Awabakal and Wonnarua Country Frances is an Autistic and ADHD occupational therapist and director of Embrace Neurodiversity. They use their lived and professional experience in their work as NSW Health’s first Autistic (Peer) Researcher. They advocate for inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming policies and practices in health and education. Frances is experienced in mentoring leadership, allied health providers, educators, and students in neuroinclusion and neurodiversity-affirming practices. They have experience in acute mental health, occupational rehabilitation, paediatrics, and community-based therapy settings across the lifespan. Frances has worked within educational settings from preschool to tertiary level and within correctional facilities. Areas of Professional Interest- Neurodiversity-affirming practice - Autism, ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)- Mental health - Women's and LGBTQIA+ health - Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Gestalt Language/Cognitive Processing - Conditions such as PANS/PANDAS, Tics/Tourette's, OCD, and Connective Tissue Disorders - Occupational justice and advocacy - Rural health - Virtual reality and eHealth