Cath Fernando is an AuDHD Speech Pathologist and influential advocate for Neurodiversity-Affirming (NDA) practice. She authored Speech Pathology Australia’s national learning module, “Neurodiversity Affirming Practice: An Introduction,” and has collaborated with program providers to reframe programs for Autistic children through an NDA lens. With a strong track record, Cath works holistically with Autistic people, providing coaching and training for families, schools, and workplaces to cultivate psychologically safe, authentic relationships that enhance quality of life. She replaces outdated “social skills” training with approaches that support unmasking and confident navigation of the social world. Cath writes and speaks widely (podcasts, local radio) and provides extensive training and supervision for speech pathologists and other allied-health professionals. Her forthcoming Routledge book chapter, “Neurodiversity-affirming practice with respect to autism in palliative care,” extends this work into end-of-life contexts.