Kara James, the driving force behind Play & Creative Therapy Bundaberg and Nurturing ND Families, is making history as the first facilitator in Queensland to deliver the highly regarded COTHÚ program (pronounced ka-hoo – Irish for nurture).
Developed by AUsome Training, the transformative initiative empowers parents and caregivers of autistic children by deepening their understanding of neurodiversity and introducing low-demand, needs-based, and autonomy-focused approaches to parenting.
Kara, a dedicated advocate for neuro-affirming practices, is passionate about reshaping the way parents, educators, and professionals support autistic children.
With extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals, she understands the challenges that families face, especially when traditional approaches fall short.
As a late-diagnosed autistic and neurodivergent individual, as well as a parent, counsellor, and play therapist specialising in supporting autistic and neurodivergent children and young people, Kara brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.
Her passion stems not only from working in the field but also from navigating the challenges of parenting and understanding her own neurodivergence.
“There’s so much misinformation out there about the autistic way of being, and parents and caregivers are often left feeling lost or unsupported- COTHÚ changes that,” she said.
“It’s about shifting the focus from trying to ‘fix the autism’ in a child to actually understanding and supporting them in a way that authentically respects their unique strengths and needs.”
The COTHÚ program is not just another parenting course; it’s a transformational journey that equips parents and caregivers with the knowledge to advocate for their children confidently.
Through Kara’s facilitation, parents learn to understand their child from the inside out, nurture deep connections, support emotional regulation, and create an environment where both their child and family can truly thrive.
Bringing a neuro-affirming future to Bundaberg
Kara’s decision to bring COTHÚ to Bundaberg stems from her deep commitment to supporting local families.
“While neurodiversity awareness is growing, many families are still struggling to access the right resources and guidance,” Kara said.
She hopes that through this program, parents will not only gain confidence in raising their autistic children but also feel a sense of empowerment and community.
“Parents need to know that they are the experts in their child’s life,” Kara said.
“COTHÚ helps them recognise that and equips them with the tools to navigate challenges in a way that aligns with their child’s needs, rather than relying on outdated or harmful behavioural approaches.”
Recognising that financial barriers can prevent families from accessing crucial support, Kara is also actively working on securing funding options to make COTHÚ more accessible.
This includes NDIS eligibility, and exploring grant funding, and subsidised spots for families who may otherwise struggle to afford the program.
Her goal is to ensure that no family misses out on this meaningful training and support due to financial limitations.
The COTHÚ program in Queensland initially launched online with a small group of NDIS clients and will soon expand to include both face-to-face and ongoing online sessions, making it more accessible to parents, caregivers, and educators across the region.
Under Kara’s leadership, Bundaberg is set to become a hub for evidence-based, neuro-affirming education, ensuring local families have the support they need to nurture their children’s well-being.
As the first COTHÚ facilitator in Queensland, Kara is not only bringing an invaluable resource to Bundaberg but also setting a precedent for a future where autistic children are embraced for who they are—without the pressure to conform.
For more information about the COTHÚ program, funding opportunities, and upcoming sessions, families can reach out to Play & Creative Therapy Bundaberg or Nurturing ND Families.
