By: Yiing Tan, Registered Psychologist PDA, or Pathological Demand Avoidance, is a profile often associated with autism that is characterized by an intense need for autonomy and a strong resistance to everyday demands. While the name remains debated, many people within the neurodivergent community describe PDA as a nervous system response rather than oppositional behavior. … Read more
By Claire Mitchelmore – Provisional Psychologist Many women and girls continue to struggle to obtain a diagnosis, are misdiagnosed with mental health conditions or personality disorders, and/or get diagnosed much later in life. As a result, they are unable to gain a better understanding of themselves or access required support, with significant impacts on their … Read more
By Claire Mitchelmore – Provisional Psychologist You may have noticed your child making regular sudden jerking movements or seemingly involuntary sounds. You may be worried that these behaviours, called tics, are drawing unwanted attention from others, interfering with your child’s daily life, or are impacting negatively on their wellbeing. Here’s what you need to know … Read more
By Shannon Lopez, Clinical Psychologist Accessing early supports is crucial in supporting neurodivergent children, including ADHDers and Autistic children, as it can significantly improve their development, functional capacity, quality of life and mental health. Early supports and intervention can have a wide range of purposes for children, including supporting their speech or motor development, toileting, … Read more
By Natasha Binns, Clinical Psychology Registrar Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person’s brain develops and is often associated with challenges in social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviours. Until recently, autism was thought to be more prevalent amongst boys more than girls, with boys 3 to 4 times more likely to receive … Read more
By Claire Mitchelmore – Provisional Psychologist You, or your child or loved one, are displaying symptoms consistent with an Autistic brain style and have been referred to a psychologist for an assessment. Receiving the news that you or a loved one may be autistic can bring up mixed emotions – relief and comfort that you … Read more
By: Emma Spencer FAPS, Clinical Psychologist and Neuroaffirming Ally As we step into a new year, it’s a perfect time to set meaningful goals, especially for those navigating ADHD and Autistic brain styles. Whether you’re an adult or a parent of a neurodivergent child, setting achievable goals is an essential part of personal growth and … Read more
By Emma Spencer, Clinical Psychologist Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum characterised by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, where overwhelming anxiety is triggered when the individual’s nervous system perceives a threat to their autonomy. PDA clients often experience anxiety as they feel threatened by external demands—whether it’s being asked … Read more
By: Clinical Psychologist, Shannon Grassby Introduction Why Formally Assess? What are Co-occurring and Differential Diagnoses? The Assessment Process Assessment: What to Expect Assessment Tools and Methods Assessment Tools Assessment Criteria Gender Differences Ready to Take the Next Step? Introduction Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference or brain style. It is part of neurodiversity in how an … Read more
Written by Provisional Psychologist Natasha Binns Lego therapy is a social development program created by clinical neuropsychologist Daniel LeGoff after observing two of his clients playing with Lego in his waiting room. Both children with autism spectrum disorder had difficulties engaging in social play and had never previously interacted, however their shared interest in Lego … Read more
