Advocating for inclusion when it comes to neurodiversity
Rosey Holliday, a valued consumer representative at Metro North Health
Of the 5.5 million people living with disability in Australia, 80 per cent of these people have a disability not immediately visible to others.
Some of these ‘invisible’ disabilities can include physical, mental, or neurological conditions, such as chronic pain and fatigue, brain injuries, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental illnesses such as depression.
With a lack of understanding within the community exacerbating the barriers experienced by those with invisible disability – former Metro North Occupational Therapist and current Consumer Representative Rosey Holliday can attest to the importance of bringing neurodiversity to the forefront.
“Being neurodivergent is not a lifestyle choice, it’s just who I am and I have always been different. This has impacted how I process information, relate to others, approach work, and participate in social activities,” Rosey said.
It was in her role as an OT at Halwyn Centre a few years ago that Rosey bravely raised neurodiversity as part of the staff diversity and inclusion agenda.
Rosey’s conversation starter paved the way for discussion about neurodiversity issues with Metro North Health, highlighting the need for increased understanding of neurodiversity and hidden disabilities in relation to staff and consumers.
In 2023, Rosey retired early as her carer responsibilities for her husband increased. She is now a disability advocate from the other side of the fence, as a consumer representative on both the Metro North Health Disability Services Action Plan Implementation Advisory Group and Community and Oral Health All Abilities workgroup.
“Being involved as a consumer representative has enabled me to contribute ideas, ask questions and be regularly updated on the progress being made with the implementation of the Metro North Health Disability Services Action Plan,” she said.
During Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17 – 23 March 2025)—a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences—Rosey encourages people to gain a better understanding of hidden disabilities, especially neurodevelopmental conditions.