Barb Cook

Barb Cook, M.Aut.(Ed), Dip.HSc.(Nut) is an author, speaker, and researcher working at the intersection of lived experience and evidence-based practice in autism and ADHD. Diagnosed AuDHD and dyslexic nearly 20 years ago, Barb brings a grounded, reflective perspective shaped by both personal experience and academic research. Barb is the founder of Spectrum Women Magazine and the co-author of several bestselling books, including Spectrum Women, The Autism and Neurodiversity Self-Advocacy Handbook, and Planning Your Career Through Intense Interests. Her work spans wellbeing, education, ageing, and everyday life, with a strong focus on amplifying autistic and ADHD voices. Barb has contributed to international research projects and regularly speaks at conferences and professional events worldwide.

PDA and RSD in School: When “Behaviour” Is a Nervous System Response

In schools, I often hear the same words used again and again. Defiant.Oppositional.Too sensitive.Overreacting.Unmotivated.Capable but won’t. Over time, I’ve learned that many of these words are not describing behaviour at all. They are describing distress. Two patterns that are frequently misunderstood in school environments are Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Both can significantly influence …

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What Does a Developmental Educator Do and Why This Role Is a Strong Fit for the NDIS

Developmental Educators are an established professional group within Australia’s disability and allied health landscape, yet the role remains widely misunderstood — including within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Participants, families, and even plan managers are often unfamiliar with what Developmental Educators do, how the role differs from others, and where it fits within NDIS-funded …

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When Rest Isn’t About Stopping: Low-Energy Movement, Sensory Input, and Working Sustainably as a Neurodivergent Adult

There are weeks where the body and brain feel flat — not unmotivated, not burned out, just tired. The kind of tired that doesn’t respond to a coffee, a snack, or a short break away from the screen. As a self-employed neurodivergent professional, these weeks can feel particularly uncomfortable. There’s work to do. Clients to support. …

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What Is Self-Care (Really)? And My Top Self-Care Practices as an AuDHD Adult

Self-care has become one of those phrases that’s everywhere — often reduced to bubble baths, gym routines, or advice that assumes everyone has the same energy, body, and nervous system. For many autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD people, that version of self-care simply doesn’t fit. For me, self-care isn’t about doing more, fixing myself, or forcing …

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Why Neuroaffirming Professional Development Matters — Now More Than Ever

By Barb Cook, M.Aut (Ed.).,Dip.HSc (Nut.). Registered Developmental Educator | Integrative Nutritionist | Accredited Athletics Coach As our understanding of autism, ADHD and dyslexia continues to grow, so does the need for professional development that reflects it. Neuroaffirming professional learning goes beyond awareness. It challenges old frameworks, celebrates neurological diversity, and provides practical ways to …

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Masking, Camouflaging, and the Cost of Trying to Fit In

Adult Autism Assessment

Many autistic people learn early to hide parts of themselves. Not because there is something wrong with who they are, but because the world often responds poorly to difference. Masking and camouflaging are survival strategies. They develop in environments where misunderstanding, judgment, or exclusion are common, and where being visibly different can feel unsafe. Over …

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Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) – Understanding Intense Emotions

Imagine feeling an intense wave of emotion wash over you at the slightest hint of criticism or rejection. For many, this experience is all too familiar and can be overwhelming. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (often shortened to RSD) describes intense emotional pain triggered by perceived or actual rejection, criticism, or disapproval. It is a condition that …

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Autism What Next – Navigating an Autism Diagnosis NDIS

autism diagnosis ndis

Join Barb Cook, Nicole Rogerson and Dr James Best with Hireup for a two part series on Autism and the NDIS. This session is on first time autism diagnosis and where to find the right information. Length 58:07:00   Date 10 November 2021 About this recording: Have you/your child recently received an autism diagnosis and you’re …

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Barb Cook on the Autism Journey’s Podcast

Autism Journeys Podcast

Barb Cook is an autistic female, formally identified on the autism spectrum along with ADHD and phonological dyslexia in 2009 at the age of 40. Barb is founder and editor in chief of Spectrum Women Magazine and editor and co-author of Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. In …

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