By: Natasha Binns, Clinical Psychology Registrar If your child is struggling to attend school, you are not alone. School refusal affects around 1–5% of children in Australia and has only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. But what exactly is school refusal, and what can help your child? What is School Refusal/School Avoidance? School refusal is … Read more
By Yiing Tan, Registered Psychologist The transition from summer’s freedom to the structure of the school year is a significant shift for any child. For neurodivergent children especially, including those who are autistic and/or ADHD, such change can be especially effortful and challenging. Feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed are common, but with thoughtful preparation, … Read more
By Shannon Lopez – Clinical Psychologist For many families, the festive season and summer school holiday period signals a time to celebrate and reflect on the year gone by, and to decompress from the modern families often gruelling schedule of school, work, sport and other activities. Whilst this time may still represent this for neurodivergent … Read more
By Yiing Tan, Registered Psychologist Getting ready for a new school year can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming—especially for neurodivergent kids who might feel extra anxious, have sensory sensitivities, or struggle with changes in routine. Here are some ways to make the transition smoother for both kids and parents. Strategies for Managing Back-to-School … Read more
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
