Melbourne Schools Podcast

Growing Up Neurodivergent, Being the “Naughty Kid” and Connection Before Correction
Frances Brennan is a speech pathologist and Director of The Speech Tree who grew up as an undiagnosed autistic and ADHD child — experiences that now shape the way she works with children, families and schools.
Frances shares what it was like to be a bright, capable student who struggled with organisation, executive functioning and school expectations, only to have those difficulties interpreted as behavioural problems. She talks about being labelled the “naughty kid”, later learning to mask and overachieve, and the struggles that remained hidden underneath.
Now working closely with neurodivergent children and schools, Frances advocates for “connection before correction” — looking beyond behaviour to understand what might actually be happening for a child.
Growing up with undiagnosed autism and ADHD

Being labelled the “naughty kid”

Masking, anxiety and appearing to cope

Connection before correction

What meaningful school accommodations look like

Building better relationships between parents and teachers

What to look for when choosing a school for a neurodivergent child

Supporting children through school transitions

Frances Brennan is a speech pathologist and Director of The Speech Tree in Montrose. Alongside her professional experience, Frances brings the perspective of an autistic and ADHD adult who received her diagnosis later in life.
Through her work with children, families and schools, Frances supports neurodivergent young people to engage more successfully with learning, while helping educators better understand and accommodate diverse learners.
Frances and the Speech Tree is a sponsor of Melbourne Schools.

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