Autism Counselling in Hunter Region, NSW
New Ability Health provides diagnostic assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health, developmental and learning difficulties including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disability, Learning Difficulties, and Mental Health disorders.
At New Ability Health our psychologists are all fully qualified with many years of experience.
New Ability Health provides diagnostic assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health, developmental and learning difficulties including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Intellectual Disability, Learning Difficulties, and Mental Health disorders.
At New Ability Health our psychologists are all fully qualified with many years of experience.
She practices evidence-based assessment and treatment for developmental disorders in children, teenagers, and adults (e.g., Intellectual Disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, etc.) with mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.
Dr. Hall practices in several key specialties including psychotherapy for ID, ASD, ADHD, Psychosis, and Couple Therapy. She works on a research project for Buddhist psychotherapy intervention. Her research project has been presented at the 2023 APA Convention, 2024 The 13th Biennial National Multicultural Conference and Summit and 2024 APA Convention.
She practices evidence-based assessment and treatment for developmental disorders in children, teenagers, and adults (e.g., Intellectual Disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, etc.) with mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.
Dr. Hall practices in several key specialties including psychotherapy for ID, ASD, ADHD, Psychosis, and Couple Therapy. She works on a research project for Buddhist psychotherapy intervention. Her research project has been presented at the 2023 APA Convention, 2024 The 13th Biennial National Multicultural Conference and Summit and 2024 APA Convention.
Assessing and supporting neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism) and it’s impacts on mental health i
I love equipping children with strategies/tools for improved wellbeing at home, school & with friends.
I enjoy helping adolescents struggling with academic stress, low-mood, friendships/relationships, grief/loss, gender diversity, self-esteem & their body image.
As a parent myself I am passionate about helping parents best support their children to thrive!
Assessing and supporting neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism) and it’s impacts on mental health i
I love equipping children with strategies/tools for improved wellbeing at home, school & with friends.
I enjoy helping adolescents struggling with academic stress, low-mood, friendships/relationships, grief/loss, gender diversity, self-esteem & their body image.
As a parent myself I am passionate about helping parents best support their children to thrive!
Perhaps it's stress, anxiety or depression, your neurodivergent identity (ADHD/ Autism), the assessment process (I can provide post diagnosis support/coaching for ADHD and Autism), the executive functions of the brain or substance use difficulties.
My style is: Warm, compassionate & supportive with a dash of humour. I am a parent, neurodivergent ally, psychologist and life long learner. Our initial session: is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, to chat about what you would like help with... what you would like to be doing more of (or less of) during our time together.
Perhaps it's stress, anxiety or depression, your neurodivergent identity (ADHD/ Autism), the assessment process (I can provide post diagnosis support/coaching for ADHD and Autism), the executive functions of the brain or substance use difficulties.
My style is: Warm, compassionate & supportive with a dash of humour. I am a parent, neurodivergent ally, psychologist and life long learner. Our initial session: is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, to chat about what you would like help with... what you would like to be doing more of (or less of) during our time together.
I specialise in the diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and mental health conditions.
As a psychologist committed to empowering individuals to thrive, my approach is grounded in understanding, compassion, and practical strategies. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to explore and address the root causes of your challenges, while supporting your unique journey toward growth and healing.
I offer evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs, whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or major life transitions. My focus is on providing a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely and feel truly heard.
I specialise in the diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and mental health conditions.
As a psychologist committed to empowering individuals to thrive, my approach is grounded in understanding, compassion, and practical strategies. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to explore and address the root causes of your challenges, while supporting your unique journey toward growth and healing.
I offer evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs, whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or major life transitions. My focus is on providing a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely and feel truly heard.
He has special interests in: Trauma and dissociation, personality disorders and dysfunction, neurodivergence (ADHD and autism spectrum disorder), and other complex presentations including those with multiple mental health diagnoses.
Jay is an affirming, understanding, and experienced clinical psychologist providing psychotherapy, assessments and reports, and clinical supervision. He aims to empower individuals such that they can manage problems in their lives independently and effectively. Jay is an integrative practitioner who draws on multiple evidence-based therapy approaches and tailors these to each person’s unique clinical needs. Jay Richards Psychology provides psychotherapy for adults only and currently accepts private, Medicare, NDIS, and WorkCover clients.
He has special interests in: Trauma and dissociation, personality disorders and dysfunction, neurodivergence (ADHD and autism spectrum disorder), and other complex presentations including those with multiple mental health diagnoses.
Jay is an affirming, understanding, and experienced clinical psychologist providing psychotherapy, assessments and reports, and clinical supervision. He aims to empower individuals such that they can manage problems in their lives independently and effectively. Jay is an integrative practitioner who draws on multiple evidence-based therapy approaches and tailors these to each person’s unique clinical needs. Jay Richards Psychology provides psychotherapy for adults only and currently accepts private, Medicare, NDIS, and WorkCover clients.
Renee also specialises in conducting assessments for Autism, ADHD, and learning disorders across all age groups, encompassing children, adolescents, and adults.
Renee is a compassionate and approachable psychologist, known for her warm and friendly demeanour. Her primary focus is on fostering a secure and trusting environment in her therapeutic relationships, which enables a cooperative approach where she dedicates time to comprehending the unique requirements and aspirations of each individual. Renee draws upon a diverse array of therapeutic techniques in her approach to care, including: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy Neurofeedback Mindfulness-based strategies Interpersonal therapies Renee tailors her approach to suit the distinct needs of her clients.
Renee also specialises in conducting assessments for Autism, ADHD, and learning disorders across all age groups, encompassing children, adolescents, and adults.
Renee is a compassionate and approachable psychologist, known for her warm and friendly demeanour. Her primary focus is on fostering a secure and trusting environment in her therapeutic relationships, which enables a cooperative approach where she dedicates time to comprehending the unique requirements and aspirations of each individual. Renee draws upon a diverse array of therapeutic techniques in her approach to care, including: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy Neurofeedback Mindfulness-based strategies Interpersonal therapies Renee tailors her approach to suit the distinct needs of her clients.
She has expertise in the diagnosis of Autism, learning disorders, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and a range of mental health presentations including anxiety and depression.
Amanda is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and Schema Therapy and works with young people and adults who have experienced trauma. She also bases her work on models of therapy including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based Interventions, and parenting strategies.
She has expertise in the diagnosis of Autism, learning disorders, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and a range of mental health presentations including anxiety and depression.
Amanda is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and Schema Therapy and works with young people and adults who have experienced trauma. She also bases her work on models of therapy including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based Interventions, and parenting strategies.
Areas of therapeutic focus, include anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma (PTSD/c-PTSD), motherhood and parenting, relationships, women's health, autism and ADHD, identity/self-worth, and grief and loss.
My role as a therapist is to facilitate a process where clients can safely connect with their minds and bodies, exploring strategies that meet their unique needs. I use therapeutic modalities that focus on working with the inner experience, helping clients validate and understand the human condition, rather than working against it.
Areas of therapeutic focus, include anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma (PTSD/c-PTSD), motherhood and parenting, relationships, women's health, autism and ADHD, identity/self-worth, and grief and loss.
My role as a therapist is to facilitate a process where clients can safely connect with their minds and bodies, exploring strategies that meet their unique needs. I use therapeutic modalities that focus on working with the inner experience, helping clients validate and understand the human condition, rather than working against it.
Shelley Puru - Harmony Well-being Services
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Toronto, NSW 2283
Waitlist for new clients
Do you have children with behaviours that are challenging, diagnosis’ of ADHD, Autism or similar?
Harmony Well-being Services specialises in holistic counselling and psychotherapy for children, youth and individuals, using an eclectic and whole of family approach to address different aspects of a person’s life. Each case is treated as unique and an individual plan is created with the input of the client. You are the expert in your own life!
Do you have children with behaviours that are challenging, diagnosis’ of ADHD, Autism or similar?
Harmony Well-being Services specialises in holistic counselling and psychotherapy for children, youth and individuals, using an eclectic and whole of family approach to address different aspects of a person’s life. Each case is treated as unique and an individual plan is created with the input of the client. You are the expert in your own life!
While he does have experience with Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Depression, he has a keen interest in working with people through dilemmas of change, for example grief and life transitions.
Timothy aims to help guide you in understanding and improving your mental health struggles by exploring your history and current experiences together. He works in a collaborative way to help each individual client better understand themselves and move forward in life with healthier and more positive experiences.
While he does have experience with Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Depression, he has a keen interest in working with people through dilemmas of change, for example grief and life transitions.
Timothy aims to help guide you in understanding and improving your mental health struggles by exploring your history and current experiences together. He works in a collaborative way to help each individual client better understand themselves and move forward in life with healthier and more positive experiences.
This includes providing ADHD and autism assessments, as well as therapeutic support for anxiety, low mood, stress, and difficulty adjusting to life changes.
I use evidence-based therapies tailored to each client’s needs, including CBT, CBT-i, ACT, DBT, ERP, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My flexible, collaborative approach blends practical strategies with compassion. I aim to create a safe, supportive space to manage anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and build healthy coping skills.
This includes providing ADHD and autism assessments, as well as therapeutic support for anxiety, low mood, stress, and difficulty adjusting to life changes.
I use evidence-based therapies tailored to each client’s needs, including CBT, CBT-i, ACT, DBT, ERP, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My flexible, collaborative approach blends practical strategies with compassion. I aim to create a safe, supportive space to manage anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and build healthy coping skills.
Tailor Rural Psychology provides ADHD, Autism, cognitive, and learning disability assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
Tailor Rural Psychology uses strength based approaches to assess
children, adolescents and adults to be able to identify their strengths and
differences to put the appropriate supports in place to help them flourish
socially, emotionally. at work and at school.
Tailor Rural Psychology provides ADHD, Autism, cognitive, and learning disability assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.
Tailor Rural Psychology uses strength based approaches to assess
children, adolescents and adults to be able to identify their strengths and
differences to put the appropriate supports in place to help them flourish
socially, emotionally. at work and at school.
This includes Autism, ADHD and Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics assessments
At Begin Again Therapy, we are a team of caring and experienced Newcastle psychologists who recognise the importance of relationships in facilitating healing. We have created a psychology clinic with the intention of prioritising safety, connection and compassion. We endeavour to empower people to step into a place of vulnerability and find the strength to embrace their humanness. Working collaboratively, we select and integrate well-researched approaches based on your unique needs, strengths and resources.
This includes Autism, ADHD and Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics assessments
At Begin Again Therapy, we are a team of caring and experienced Newcastle psychologists who recognise the importance of relationships in facilitating healing. We have created a psychology clinic with the intention of prioritising safety, connection and compassion. We endeavour to empower people to step into a place of vulnerability and find the strength to embrace their humanness. Working collaboratively, we select and integrate well-researched approaches based on your unique needs, strengths and resources.
I also have extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders including panic and OCD, and mental health concerns related to Autism and ADHD.
I use a combination of EMDR, Schema Therapy and Parts work to support lasting healing from trauma.
I work at your pace and am happy to adjust therapy and modalities to suit your needs and what works for you
I also have extensive experience in treating anxiety disorders including panic and OCD, and mental health concerns related to Autism and ADHD.
I use a combination of EMDR, Schema Therapy and Parts work to support lasting healing from trauma.
I work at your pace and am happy to adjust therapy and modalities to suit your needs and what works for you
Maria can offer psychometric assessments and therapy for a range of child, adolescent and adult mental health presentations, including depression, anxiety, complex trauma & PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, grief/loss, interpersonal difficulties, learning difficulties, Autism and ADHD.
Maria has a keen interest in children as well as women’s health and has extensive experience with perinatal mental health and child development. She is passionate about supporting new parents as they navigate the exciting yet challenging transition to parenthood. Having worked extensively in the area of pregnancy loss, Maria has provided much-needed support to families through their grieving process, offering a compassionate and understanding approach. Maria’s dedication to comprehensive care for parents extends from planning to conceive through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Maria speaks fluent tagalog (Filipino).
Maria can offer psychometric assessments and therapy for a range of child, adolescent and adult mental health presentations, including depression, anxiety, complex trauma & PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, grief/loss, interpersonal difficulties, learning difficulties, Autism and ADHD.
Maria has a keen interest in children as well as women’s health and has extensive experience with perinatal mental health and child development. She is passionate about supporting new parents as they navigate the exciting yet challenging transition to parenthood. Having worked extensively in the area of pregnancy loss, Maria has provided much-needed support to families through their grieving process, offering a compassionate and understanding approach. Maria’s dedication to comprehensive care for parents extends from planning to conceive through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Maria speaks fluent tagalog (Filipino).
Assessment services for adult autism and ADHD.
The Divergent Edge providers a strengths based service delivered by a team of neurodivergent professionals. We are a niche service provider operating via telehealth across Australia. We reject disordered and disabiling notions of neurologically based difference, and embrance our neurodivergent identity.
Assessment services for adult autism and ADHD.
The Divergent Edge providers a strengths based service delivered by a team of neurodivergent professionals. We are a niche service provider operating via telehealth across Australia. We reject disordered and disabiling notions of neurologically based difference, and embrance our neurodivergent identity.
Our experienced clinicians offer expertise in the assessment and therapeutic support of anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and more.
Our clinicians offer evidence-based treatments including Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), CBT, ACT, Play Therapy and somatic treatments. Our highly skilled assessment team provides gold standard, collaborative assessment for ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, cognitive functioning and more. Support for NDIS participants is available too.
Our experienced clinicians offer expertise in the assessment and therapeutic support of anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment difficulties, emotional and behavioural difficulties, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and more.
Our clinicians offer evidence-based treatments including Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), CBT, ACT, Play Therapy and somatic treatments. Our highly skilled assessment team provides gold standard, collaborative assessment for ADHD, autism, learning difficulties, cognitive functioning and more. Support for NDIS participants is available too.
I also am able to provide assessments to diagnose ADHD and autism.
I offer a safe, supportive space in which I can help you navigate issues with your mental health, overcome challenges, work towards goals and improve your wellbeing for the long term. I work in a cognitive behavioural therapy framework, incorporating aspects of other modalities, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, schema therapy and EMDR.
I also am able to provide assessments to diagnose ADHD and autism.
I offer a safe, supportive space in which I can help you navigate issues with your mental health, overcome challenges, work towards goals and improve your wellbeing for the long term. I work in a cognitive behavioural therapy framework, incorporating aspects of other modalities, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, schema therapy and EMDR.
Natalie offers comprehensive assessment of mental health, neurodevelopmental disorders ( autism and ADHD) including adult assessment, personality, cognitive (IQ) and specific learning disorders, executive functioning, and behaviour.
Dr Natalie Close is a registered psychologist with postgraduate training including a doctorate and Master of Clinical Psychology. She has held positions in research and university education and completed a PhD in cognitive psychology. Natalie has been working clinically in private practice for over 10 years, where she provides comprehensive psychological assessments and evidence-based therapies. Natalie maintains a professional and ethical approach including practical tools, emotional support, psychological assessment, and mental health treatment backed by science. She is currently a board-approved supervisor in psychology.
Natalie offers comprehensive assessment of mental health, neurodevelopmental disorders ( autism and ADHD) including adult assessment, personality, cognitive (IQ) and specific learning disorders, executive functioning, and behaviour.
Dr Natalie Close is a registered psychologist with postgraduate training including a doctorate and Master of Clinical Psychology. She has held positions in research and university education and completed a PhD in cognitive psychology. Natalie has been working clinically in private practice for over 10 years, where she provides comprehensive psychological assessments and evidence-based therapies. Natalie maintains a professional and ethical approach including practical tools, emotional support, psychological assessment, and mental health treatment backed by science. She is currently a board-approved supervisor in psychology.
See more therapy options for Hunter Region
Autism Counsellors
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.