about deirdre

Hi, I'm Deirdre Atkinson-Byrne (pronounced Dear-drah), founder of Autistic Joy. My pronouns are she/her.

I am an autistic ADHDer with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy) profile, Disability Support Worker, Disability Advocate, Peer Mentor and counselling student who lives, loves and works with many autistic people.

My passion is supporting neurodivergent people to better understand themselves, build on their strengths, navigate life's challenges and create lives that feel authentic, meaningful and joyful.

My work is informed by both lived experience and professional experience. As an autistic person with a PDA profile, I understand many of the challenges that can come with navigating a world that is not always designed with neurodivergent people in mind. I also know the immense joy, creativity, insight and unique perspectives that can come from embracing your neurotype.

For more than twenty years I have worked in roles supporting people through change, growth and self-discovery. My professional background includes disability employment services, youth work, education, community engagement and small business ownership. Throughout my career I have supported people with disability, mental health challenges, employment barriers and complex life circumstances to identify their strengths and move towards their goals.

Today, through Autistic Joy, I provide strengths-based, neuro-affirming support to autistic and otherwise neurodivergent adults, young people and families. I work alongside clients to build self-understanding, self-advocacy, confidence, emotional wellbeing and practical life skills.

I am currently studying a Diploma of Counselling and continue to expand my knowledge through professional development, collaboration with allied health professionals and ongoing learning within the neurodivergent community.

At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: neurodivergent people deserve support that honours who they are, celebrates their strengths and helps them experience genuine Autistic Joy.