Autism in Girls: Why It Presents Differently

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

Understanding ADHD in Adults: What Gets Missed

Understanding ADHD in Adults: What Gets Missed | Spencer Health

Prepared by Emma Spencer, Clinical Psychologist ADHD in adults doesn’t always look like the stereotype we’re used to seeing, that being of the hyperactive child who can’t sit still and can’t focus. Many neurodivergent people move through the world with strengths, strategies, and a lifetime of coping skills that mask their ADHD symptoms so effectively … Read more

ADHD in the Classroom: Strategies for Parents and Educators

ADHD in the Classroom: Strategies for Parents and Educators | Spencer Health

By Natasha Binns, Clinical Psychology Registrar Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodivergent brainstyle characterised by differences with attention, reduced inhibition, and a higher need for movement and stimulation. Due to the nature of ADHD, it is often not identified in children until they begin attending school, where their neurodivergence can often conflict with the demands … Read more

ADHD Medication, Quality of Life and the Evidence: A Balanced View:

ADHD Medication, Quality of Life and the Evidence | Spencer Health

By Maxine Rickman, Provisional Psychologist This week, the media has been awash with headlines around a new, longitudinal study published out of Deakin University in Melbourne, assessing the health-related quality of life outcomes of children with symptoms of ADHD (Le et al., 2025). Some of the reporting was misleading, especially around the link between taking … Read more

Understanding and treating Tic disorder and Tourette’s Syndrome

Understanding and treating Tic disorder and Tourette’s Syndrome

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

The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with ADHD and Autism

The Importance of Early Intervention for Children with ADHD and Autism | Spencer Health

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

Recognizing Autism in Girls: Why It’s Often Missed and How to Seek Support

Recognizing Autism in Girls: Why It’s Often Missed and How to Seek Support | Spencer Health

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

Understanding Autism Assessments – What to expect and how they help

Understanding Autism Assessments – What to expect and how they help | Spencer Health

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

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

New Year, New Goals: Managing ADHD and Autism in 2025

New Year, New Goals: Managing ADHD and Autism in 2025 | Spencer Health

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