Meet Brita List: Why Compliance Isn't the Goal in Neurodivergent Support
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
As part of our NAPAA Member Interview Series, we're introducing the neuroaffirming professionals who make up our growing community. Today, we're chatting with Brita List, a clinical psychologist in Sydney whose work spans children, adolescents and families, with a particular interest in the intersection between neurodivergence, mental health and neuroimmune conditions.
Tell us a little about yourself and your work.
I am a clinical psychologist working across two private practice locations, supporting people of all ages, though most of my work is with school-aged children and adolescents. I began my career in a university clinic known for its child anxiety program, where I quickly recognised how frequently anxiety and neurodivergence intersect. Since then, I've regularly adapted interventions and identified accommodations to better support each individual's goals.
Along the way, I also developed a strong interest in the relationship between physical health and mental health, leading me to specialise in PANS/PANDAS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome/Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). This has since become a niche focus of both my clinical practice and my part-time PhD.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
For Brita, the answer is simple.
"Listening, believing and witnessing people's experiences, validating them, advocating for them where I can, and collaborating with them on making life better."
What first sparked your interest in working with neurodivergent people?
Neurodivergence has always been something close to home.
"It's in the family genes and we usually connect! I enjoy diving in to understand what will work for the individual in front of me."
What's one thing you wish more people understood about neurodivergent individuals?
One message stands out above all else:
"We don't need to work on compliance or conformity to empower people to live valued lives."
Rather than focusing on helping neurodivergent individuals fit into predetermined expectations, Brita believes support should centre on helping people build meaningful, authentic lives in ways that work for them.
Has a small change in your practice made a big difference?
One approach Brita has found particularly valuable is the use of declarative language, especially when supporting individuals with a PDA profile. Rather than relying on directive language that may inadvertently trigger threat responses, she uses curiosity to help signal safety and keep the thinking brain engaged.
"It takes a lot of practice, but declarative language helps signal safety and keeps the thinking brain on board instead of being hijacked by a fight/flight response."
What can be particularly challenging in this work?
While psychology can provide important support, Brita also recognises that neurodivergent individuals sometimes present with complex medical factors that require broader collaboration.
"Sometimes there is neurology or inflammation at play, and we need to look beyond what we can do in psychology. Significant accommodations and realistic expectations, holistic care or medication may be important, but the rest of their healthcare team might not always be on board."
What advice would you give neurodivergent individuals or families seeking support?
Brita encourages people to trust themselves throughout the process.
"Trust your gut, ask your questions, keep your own records, ask the community, and get those second and third opinions."
A little outside of work...
When not working, Brita enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, listening to audiobooks, spending time in the garden and, perhaps unsurprisingly for many of us, watching cute bird videos on Instagram.
Looking ahead
When asked what they hope the future looks like for neurodivergent people in Australia, Brita's answer was wonderfully succinct:
"Voices get heard and believed."
Learn more about Brita's work here:
Would you like to be featured in a future NAPAA Member Interview?
We'd love to hear more about your professional journey, your neuroaffirming practice, and the work you do.
Complete our interview form here.
