Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NAPAA
Members & Memberships

1. What is NAPAA?

NAPAA (Neuroaffirming Professionals Alliance Australia) is a purpose-driven platform dedicated to supporting neurodivergent professionals and neurodivergent individuals. Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where professionals can connect, collaborate and grow while offering neuro-affirming services to the broader community. We also aim to create practical and helpful resources for the ND community and their loved ones to learn more about different aspects of neurodivergence, empowering them with the knowledge they need to thrive. More information can be found on our About Us page.

​

2. Who can join NAPAA as a Professional Member?

NAPAA is open to professionals across various regulated fields, including psychologists, counsellors, dentists, driving instructors and other allied health/allied health professionals who are committed to practicing in a neuro-affirming manner. We aim to create a multidisciplinary network of individuals who understand neurodivergence and promote inclusive practices. Membership is open to professionals who are registered, certified, or accredited in their respective fields via their associated state and/or national governing bodies.

​

NAPAA does not assert any authority to accredit or govern the conduct of any professional members because 1) we do not have any legal authorisations to be an official governing body, and 2) we believe that only the clients/patients could determine their goodness of fit with any particular professionals based on their personal experiences. We seek to empower, not disempower, the neurodivergent community. 

​

2.1 Why We’re Including Neuro-Affirming Hairdressers in NAPAA’s Community

At NAPAA, we aim to create a space where neurodivergent individuals can find professionals who genuinely understand and support their needs. While our membership criteria typically require professionals to meet certain certification and regulatory standards, we’ve made a special exception for hairdressers.

 

Why hairdressers?

Hairdressers play an essential role in the emotional and sensory well-being of many neurodivergent individuals. During COVID-19 lockdowns, hairdressers were recognised as essential services, and their work directly contributes to mental health, self-esteem and overall wellness. Neurodivergent individuals often experience heightened sensory sensitivities, and hairdressers who understand and respect those needs are invaluable.

 

What makes these hairdressers different?

The hairdressers listed have been recommended by neurodivergent individuals for their neuro-affirming practices. While they do not meet all of NAPAA’s usual membership criteria due to certification limitations, they have shown a genuine commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for neurodivergent people. We believe that they provide valuable support to our community, and we are proud to include them as part of our resource network.

 

A unique exception

This inclusion is based on the essential service nature of hairdressing, which aligns with our mission of promoting wellbeing and comfort for neurodivergent individuals. We understand that this might seem like an exception, but we believe it is important to address specific needs within the community while still upholding NAPAA’s core values.

​

We continue to evaluate how we can expand our resources and ensure that all professionals in the neuro-affirming space are supported and held to high standards. As we continue to grow, we will always strive for balance between accessibility and accountability.

​

3. What does "neuro-affirming" mean?

A neuro-affirming professional is one who respects, understands, and supports neurodivergent individuals, recognising their strengths, challenges, and the unique ways they experience the world. Being neuro-affirming is about valuing neurodivergent people as whole individuals, honouring their autonomy, and using strategies that are empowering rather than pathologising.

​

4. How do I become a member of NAPAA?

To become a member, professionals must sign up for an account and complete their professional profile, before their application will be sent for verification and approval. Membership is free for the first year, after which there is a small fee for continued access to our platform and community. We evaluate applications based on commitment to neuro-affirming practices and membership terms, not a rigid vetting system. We trust the community and individuals to determine if a professional aligns with their needs.

​

5. What benefits do NAPAA members get?

As a NAPAA member, you will have access to:

• Networking opportunities with other neuro-affirming professionals

• An ever-growing members' resource library to support your neurodivergent clients, including practical strategies, templates, and educational materials

• Directory listing to help neurodivergent individuals find you

• Supportive community of like-minded professionals sharing knowledge and lived experience

• Opportunities to collaborate and grow within a neurodiversity-affirming environment

​​

6. How does NAPAA help neurodivergent individuals?

NAPAA helps neurodivergent individuals by providing access to a network of professionals who are well-informed about neurodivergence and committed to neuro-inclusive, respectful care. We offer educational content, community discussions and resources that cater to neurodivergent people’s needs, empowering them to find professionals who truly understand them. We also provide public resources that aim to educate the broader community about neurodivergence.

​

7. How do you ensure the quality of services offered by NAPAA members?

Truth is, we will never be able to find a directory that will provide guarantees on the practices of professionals listed, regardless of the processes adopted by the directory. NAPAA does not impose a rigid vetting process, as we believe in neurodivergent individuals' agency and autonomy to make their own decisions about who they trust with their care.

 

However, we do require professional members to write a statement on what their neuro-affirming practice looks like, which will be displayed on their directory profiles. This allows members of the public seeking support to use that information, alongside their direct experiences with the professional (should they choose to reach out), to help inform their decision on whether a professional may be the right fit for them. We trust the community and individuals to determine if a professional aligns with their needs, fostering a space of shared accountability rather than gatekeeping.

​

8. Why do you offer free membership for the first year?

We believe that accessibility is crucial to building a strong, inclusive community. Offering free membership for the first year allows professionals to explore NAPAA’s resources, connect with others, and decide if our platform aligns with their values and goals. After the first year (i.e., 15 Apr 2026 onwards), a small fee helps to support the ongoing development of NAPAA and its services, including continuing to create practical and helpful resources for both the general public invested in understanding neurodivergence, as well as professionals working in the neuro-affirming space.

​

9. Can I join NAPAA if I am not based in Australia?

Currently, NAPAA is focused on neurodivergent professionals and individuals within Australia. However, we recognise that the need for neuro-affirming spaces is global, and we are exploring opportunities to expand our reach to international members in the future. Stay tuned for updates on this!

​

10. Can non-professionals join NAPAA?

NAPAA membership is specifically for professionals working in fields that support neurodivergent individuals. However, if you are a neurodivergent individual looking for support, resources, or a directory of neuro-affirming professionals, we welcome you to make use of our public resources. We aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions and find the support they need.

​

11. What is the process for renewing my NAPAA membership?

As a member, you will be notified via email when your membership is due for renewal. After the first free year, a small annual fee will apply to continue accessing NAPAA’s resources, professional directory, and networking opportunities. Currently, we do not take any payment details from any members, so you will need to choose to opt in to continue your membership when the time comes, and so there won't be any surprise charges from rollovers. The renewal process is straightforward and we will be sending you an email with instructions to renew your membership in the 2 months leading up to when all members are due to renew their memberships.

​

12. Can I update my profile or change my membership details?

Yes! You can log in to your member portal at any time to update your profile details, contact information, and other membership-related preferences. We encourage members to keep their profiles up-to-date to ensure they can be found by individuals seeking neuro-affirming services.

​

13. How can I contribute to NAPAA’s growth?

There are many ways to contribute:

• Share your expertise by submitting articles on your lived experience

• Engage in community discussions to help create a space for open dialogue

• Recommend neuro-affirming professionals to join the community

• Support our initiatives by spreading the word and encouraging others to join

We welcome your contributions and value your involvement in creating a neurodivergent-friendly world! If you've got other questions, please feel free to reach out to us using information on the Contact Us page.