Neurodiversity-affirming support for Autistic and ADHD adults, Rose Park, Adelaide

A diagnosis or a growing self-recognition in adulthood can reframe a lifetime of experiences. Neurodiversity-affirming therapy starts from your strengths rather than deficits: understanding your profile, embracing what works, and building strategies for what doesn’t.

Find a therapistCall 08 7228 2319

What it can look like

  • Making sense of a recent ADHD or Autism diagnosis, or exploring whether you might be neurodivergent
  • Burnout, masking and exhaustion from fitting into neurotypical expectations
  • Anxiety, low mood or self-criticism that has built up over years of feeling ‘different’
  • Difficulties with focus, organisation, time or sensory load at work or home
  • Relationships and communication with partners, family or colleagues

Adult ADHD and Autism are increasingly recognised; assessment and support searches have grown strongly in Australia in recent years.

How therapy helps

Neurodiversity-affirming practice treats being Autistic or having ADHD as a difference to be understood, not a disorder to be corrected. Therapy draws on CBT and ACT adapted for neurodivergent thinking, schema work where long-standing self-beliefs are in the way, and practical strategies for executive function, sensory needs and energy. Note that this is therapeutic support; formal diagnostic assessment is a separate process.

Approaches commonly used

Practitioners choose the approach that fits you — see each profile for the approaches they use, or read the plain-language guide to types of therapy. Further reading: Autism CRC — adults.

Common questions

Do you do ADHD or Autism assessments?

These pages describe therapy and support. If you are seeking a formal diagnostic assessment, ask the practitioner you contact what is available and about referral pathways.

I'm self-identified, not diagnosed. Can I still come?

Yes. Neurodiversity-affirming support does not require a formal diagnosis.

Can I claim Medicare?

With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare Better Access rebates apply to psychological therapy sessions with eligible practitioners.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency. OneBodyMind is not a crisis service. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.