Neurodivergence

Building Social Skills: How KidsLink Groups Support Neurodivergent Children

Building Social Skills: How KidsLink Groups Support Neurodivergent Children | Spencer Health

Contributors: Emma Spencer, Clinical Psychologist; Skye Rogers, Art Therapist; Pegah Arasteh, Art Therapist. As humans, we are inherently social creatures. From an evolutionary standpoint, building and maintaining relationships is crucial for our survival. Social skills enable us to connect, collaborate, and form bonds that help us navigate the world around us. For neurodivergent children, however, … Read more

How to Incorporate Low Demand Principles into Everyday Clinical Practice

How to Incorporate Low Demand Principles in Everyday Clinical Practice | Spencer Health

By Emma Spencer, Clinical Psychologist Incorporating the Low Demand Approach to Therapy into everyday clinical practice can transform how we work with neurodivergent clients, especially those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This framework reduces pressure and creates an environment where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to engage in therapy at their own pace. Here’s … Read more

Assessing Autism in Children and Adults: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Assessing ADHD in Children and Adults: A Comprehensive Guide

By: Clinical Psychologist, Shannon Grassby Introduction Why Get a Formal Assessment? 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 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental brain style characterised by differences in the … Read more

The Effects of Hormones on Women with ADHD

By: Clinical Psychologist, Emma Spencer FAPS For women and girls who also have ADHD, the interplay between hormonal fluctuations and ADHD symptoms can create a unique set of challenges. To effectively manage the effects of ADHD it is important that everyone understands the relationship between female sex hormones and ADHD. This blog explores the effects … Read more

Explosive reactions – 5 strategies to de-escalate meltdowns

Written by Sushmita Kanthan, Registered Psychologist  Emotions are a fundamental part of being a human. It is widely and universally believed that there are 6 basic primary emotions that we can experience as humans; happiness, sadness, fear, anger, disgust and surprise. However, it is important to note that emotions are a lot more complex than … Read more

Neurodiversity, ADHD and Creativity

Written by Shannon Grassby, Clinical Psychologist What is creativity, but impulsivity gone right? Ned Hallowell The traditional medical model generally states that having a brain that works, or is wired a little differently only comes with negatives and draw backs. However, the neurodiversity movement has allowed us to have a greater understanding of not just … Read more

The link between social skills and loneliness

Written by Provisional Psychologist Natasha Binns The link between social skills and loneliness – helping neurodiverse teens make friends The interconnection of loneliness and social skills is complex. Social skills refer to the abilities and behaviours that enable individuals to interact effectively and appropriately with others. Loneliness, on the other hand, is the subjective feeling … Read more

Learning to be a friend: Helping pre-teens and teenagers with ADHD and autism achieve their social goals

There are a number of skills you need to learn in order to form and maintain friendships. Many of these skills are contextual as there are hidden social expectations unique to each situation, for example taking turns when playing a game; standing in line; visiting another person’s house or sending text messages. While most children … Read more