Craig Hildebrand-Burke - Psychologist

05/02/2026

Peppa Pig's younger brother George will be diagnosed as moderately deaf in an upcoming episode of the iconic kids' show.

29/11/2025

13/10/2025

25/08/2025

There has been much discussion lately about the concept of "mild and moderate autism". Functioning labels, like mild/moderate/severe, or low and high functioning are not helpful. They reduce a complex human being into undefined categories and are often used to deny support to people who are considered "mild" and deny autonomy to people who are considered "severe". So what can we do instead?

⭐ Let's normalise support needs.

⭐ Let's stop arguing about who is Autistic enough to need support.

⭐ Let's be mindful that support needs may change over time.



[ID: Against a pink background, with the Reframing Autism logo at the top and the colourful knotwork in the bottom left is white text reading 'Just because you can't see my support needs, doesn't mean that they don't exist. Autistic people have varying support needs that fluctuate depending on circumstances.']

18/08/2025

The early days after diagnosis can feel overwhelming and uncertain, but small steps along a shared path can make a big difference.

Our Parent Mentor Program connects you with trained Parent Mentors who have lived experience raising a deaf or hard of hearing child. They’re here to listen, guide, and support you along the journey.

With a Parent Mentor you are not alone. Learn more: https://www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/parent-mentor-program/

18/07/2025

Background The prevalence of adverse mental health outcomes experienced by deaf adults – members of deaf communities connected through a shared sign language and culture is greater than that faced by their hearing counterparts. In addition to everyday life stressors, deaf people can experience fur...

19/06/2025

✨ Excited to Announce! ✨

I’m thrilled and deeply honoured to present at the upcoming Neurodiverse Affirming Therapy Conference in Melbourne on July 10, 2025!
As a Deaf Neurodivergent Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in trauma-focused therapy, my presentation will explore:

🎯 Deaf Trauma, Barriers to Mental Health Services, and "Deaf Autism"

"Deaf Autism" is a term I am redefining to describe the overlapping “like” traits of Autism in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (Deaf/HH) individuals with:

• Language Deprivation Syndrome (LDS)
• Theory of Mind deficits (ToM)
• Deaf Trauma (Anderson, 2015; Karli Dettman, 2020)

A Hypothesis - This is not a genetic form of Autism but one shaped by cultural and developmental factors, sharing traits with ASD and ADHD. With early access to sign language, many of these challenges could be prevented in Deaf/HH children and Adults.

My presentation will emphasize the critical need for culturally informed assessments and collaboration with qualified Deaf Mental Health Professionals.

Together, we can better support the unique needs of the Deaf/HH community.

I can’t wait to share these insights and connect with fellow professionals at this incredible event. 🌍

https://www.instagram.com/ndaffirmingtherapyconference/ #



https://www.instagram.com/ndaffirmingtherapyconference/ #

03/06/2025

Stay informed about the current key issues impacting the deaf and hard of hearing community. Get involved and make a difference.