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On my Mind, In my Heart
At Minds & Hearts we often have things on our minds or in our hearts—things that we’d love to share with our community of clients, their families, our colleagues, and other professionals friends.
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Neurodiversity: Your Brain and its Melody!
Welcome to a fascinating journey through the symphony of your brain! Think of your mind as an orchestra, with each section representing different brain functions working together under the guidance of conscious attention. In this post, we'll explore the beauty of...
“Are they staying?” – Introducing a New Partner After Separation
For many parents, introducing a new partner after separation is not marked by a single conversation or a carefully planned announcement. Instead, it arrives quietly. It shows up in a child’s sideways glance, a pause before answering, or a sudden shift in behaviour...
Understanding Recent Changes in NDIS Decision-Making: What It Means for Participants, Families and Clinicians
In recent weeks, there has been a growing volume of information emerging about changes to how the NDIS makes decisions about participant funding, how plans are reviewed, and how funds are allocated and managed. During Senate Estimates hearings, it was confirmed that...
Trauma and EMDR for Neurodivergent Minds
Trauma and Neurodivergence Have you ever wondered why so many neurodivergent people describe carrying a lifetime of small hurts, misunderstandings, and moments of overwhelm that shape how safe they feel in the world? Trauma for Autistic individuals and those with ADHD...
Should I Pursue an Assessment with Minds & Hearts? A practical guide to the benefits, costs, and considerations for families and adults.
At Minds & Hearts, our assessments are designed to understand the whole person, not just symptoms or labels. Our goal is for each client to leave the assessment process with a clearer understanding of themselves and a practical sense of direction. Our clinicians...
Lonely Conversations: The Comfort and Risk of Turning to AI for Connection
It is deeply human to seek connection and to desire the comfort of being heard, agreed with, or understood. Most of us have known how good it feels to share an opinion and be met with validation, or to say something vulnerable and receive a gentle, reassuring...
Treating Chronic Pain for Neurodivergent Individuals
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months beyond the expected healing time for an injury or tissue damage (Treede et al., 2015). Dealing with chronic pain is a multifaceted experience; influenced by biological, psychological, and social...
When the Giggles Fade: Grieving the Loss of Childhood as Kids Become Teens
Written By Dr Hugh Walker, Clinical Psychologist, Clinic Director "She used to laugh at my silly dad jokes....." In the clinic this month, a theme has emerged with several parents related to the grief that can arise as children transition into adolescence and seek...
Taming the Inner Critic: A Compassionate Guide for Neurodivergent Minds
Everyone has an inner voice that reflects on how things are going in life. For many, this voice can turn critical; pointing out mistakes, questioning decisions, or setting impossible standards. It might sound like: “You should be doing more,” “You’re too much,” or...
Fostering Autonomy in Therapy: Reclaiming Will Without Losing Connection
by Dr Wes Turner (Clinical Psychologist) and Samantha Butterworth (Psychologist) Sometimes we can get thrown by clients in therapy when they say things like the below: “What do you think I should do?” … followed shortly by, “but I can’t do that.” While this may seem...
Wired differently: Understanding autism and pathways to stress and burnout
By Dr Wesley Turner - Clinical Psychologist / Clinic Director Autism Awareness Month is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and genuinely deepen our understanding of autism and neurodivergence. In my work with neurodivergent individuals and their families, I am often...
Setting Internet Boundaries: A Practical Guide for Parents
The internet is a central part of daily life, offering children and adolescents opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment. For our neurodiverse clients, we know that internet and online gaming can feel more predictable and safer for socialising and...
Advocating for Workplace Support: Autism and ADHD Accommodations
Work can play a significant role in overall well-being, impacting not only financial stability but also aspects such as self-esteem, social identity, and personal fulfilment. For individuals with autism or ADHD, the workplace can present unique challenges that impact...
Group Therapy at Minds & Hearts
Minds & Hearts’ group therapy programs are designed to help individuals build social-emotional skills, enhance relationships, and manage challenges related to neurodivergence. These evidence-based programs cater to children, adolescents, and adults. Our groups are...
Novel approaches to the formulation and treatment of recurrent burnout cycles in neurodivergent clients: A schema therapy informed approach.
Section 1: Society, Difference, Camouflaging and the Critic Camouflaging and masking as a compensatory mechanism to being different. Camouflaging or masking refers to the process where autistic individuals mimic socially successful behaviours, suppressing their...
Understanding the Recent NDIS Changes: What It Means for Our Community
We know that the recent changes in how the NDIS defines support have sparked concern within the neurodiverse community, particularly for those accessing services for autism and related conditions. At Minds & Hearts, we’ve been hearing from many of you who are...
The Role of Love in our Mission Statement: Love with Excellence
Growing up, all children, have a universal set list of essential needs, such as love, acceptance, safety, and autonomy. These needs form the foundation for healthy emotional and psychological development. For instance, a child feels loved and accepted when praised for...
Attunement Based Parenting: How to raise anti-fragile children
By Dr David Zimmerman - Clinical Psychologist, Clinic Director In recent years, the concept of anti-fragility has gained traction in various fields, including psychology and child development. Coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book "Antifragile: Things That Gain...
Empowering Learners: Cognitive & Learning Assessments at Minds & Hearts
At Minds & Hearts, we offer comprehensive cognitive and learning assessments designed to identify your unique strengths and areas for growth. But what exactly are these assessments, and how can they benefit you or your child? Cognitive assessments act as detailed...
Supporting School Engagement for Neurodivergent Children: A Guide for Parents and Educators
Educational settings present a wide range of opportunities and challenges for children and adolescents. School engagement is critical for children and adolescents to foster positive attitudes toward learning, intellectual curiosity and the development of unique...
Reflecting on Progress and Pathways Forward
Introduction During this year's Autism Awareness Month, my reflections have focused on societal shifts in understanding and acceptance for autistic individuals, and the areas where further awareness and advocacy are crucial. As a newly appointed Director at Minds...
Navigating the Inner Seas: Learning to Understand and Manage Our Internal Experiences
Have you ever noticed how sometimes what is going on inside your mind and heart can feel just as real as anything that happens outside of you? Understanding our inner world of thoughts, feelings, and urges is vital if we are to make loving connections with ourselves...
Demystifying Your Journey: A Comprehensive Guide to Neurodevelopmental Assessments at Minds & Hearts
What are Neurodevelopmental Disorders? Imagine your brain as a symphony orchestra. Just like a conductor assigns a piece of music to each section of an orchestra, your brain’s lobes and executive functions have specific roles. When all sections follow their parts and...
Mindful Pathways: Exploring ADHD and Hormonal Dynamics
Unraveling the Entangled Web of ADHD and Hormonal Fluctuations: A Journey Towards Personalised Care Navigating the complexities of ADHD can be a daunting task, and for women, the interplay of the menstrual cycle adds an extra layer of intricacy. The interplay of ADHD...
Driving with Autism: A Deep Dive into Safety Guidelines and Personalized Assessments
The recent media spotlight on autism and driving has raised important questions about the guidelines and considerations for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who wish to operate vehicles. While this article should not be taken as legal advice, we...
Beneath the Surface: Uncovering Your Child’s Hidden Emotional Needs
Supporting a child who is going through tough emotional times, no matter their age, can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted waters. We often find ourselves eager to offer practical solutions or quick fixes, but this approach doesn't always hit the mark. So, how...
From Vulnerability to Resilience: Navigating Psychopathology and Attachment
Psychopathology is a complex phenomenon that doesn't affect everyone in the same way. In this post, we will explore the Diathesis-Stress Model, which explains why some people are more susceptible to psychopathology than others. We'll also delve into the critical role...
Understanding Developmental Language Disorder
Ever struggled to find the right words, or felt like your sentences just don't come out the way you want them to? You're not alone – many individuals experience something called Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a condition that shapes the way people understand...
Being Queer and on the Spectrum
Please note that Queer in this context is used as a reclaimed and inclusive term that encompasses and celebrates the totality of sexuality and gender identity that may not be included in the LBTQIA+ acronym and is not intended to be associated with its historical use...
The Healing Power of Self-Compassion: How Making Space for Feelings Can Transform Your Child’s Future
Do you ever notice your child putting themselves down with phrases like “I’m so stupid” or “I’ll never be able to do this”? It’s common for children to fall into negative thinking patterns, but as a parent, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help. Luckily,...
From Restless Nights to Restful Sleep: How Treating Sleep Apnoea Can Improve Your Child’s Life
Does your child struggle to concentrate, self-regulate, stay motivated, manage fatigue, and exhibit impulsivity? You might be thinking that your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but have you considered sleep apnoea? Sleep apnoea and ADHD have...
Exploring Language Difficulties in Neurodiverse Children
By Ms Caitlin Snowden & Ms Hayley Sheppard, Speech Pathologists at Minds & Hearts Does your child have difficulty following directions? Does your child get stuck on topics? Does your child have difficulty reading a room? Does your child misinterpret what...
The playful approach & emotional regulation for children with ASD
Play is recognised as a child’s main form of communication and it is essential to engaging children. Piaget’s work, which positions children as learning through doing, experimenting and discovering was very influential in this regard. The importance of learning how to...
Pragmatics is the use of language in a social context / communication
You may have heard of the term “pragmatics” before, but never thought much of it. In its simplest form, pragmatics, or “social communication” is the use of language in a social context. When communicating with others, we often think of the words we use as having the...
Adolescents, Sex Education and Asperger’s Syndrome
The onset of puberty is often a stressful time for adolescents and parents alike. It is time typically of particular concern to parents of adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome. While the ups and downs of puberty are largely unavoidable, there are strategies that...
Alexithymia and Autism: Inability to describe emotions verbally
The term “alexithymia” is coming up more and more in the research literature on autism. You may have wondered about alexithymia and austim: what it alexithymia and how is it is relevant to autism spectrum disorder? Alexithymia describes someone who has difficulties...
Facing Covid Using the Principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Our world is currently full of uncertainty and rapid change. These feelings of worry, stress, fear, anger and loneliness are going to be normal given the ongoing concerns and safeguards enacted around the unprecedented situation we are all experiencing...
Building Mindfulness: Why It Is So Important and Beneficial
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Building mindfulness is an important lifeskill. When we engage in deliberate mindfulness...
Helping Gifted Children on the Spectrum Thrive Academically & Socially
Individuals with ASD who are gifted often present with a ‘perfect storm’ of cognitive abilities and executive function difficulties, that can negatively impact on their academic and social performance. The neurocognitive profiles of such gifted children or individuals...
What Does an ADOS Assessment Involve and Other Common Questions
Many families who make an appointment for their child with a psychologist or specialist, for a diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Condition, are unsure of what to expect and how to prepare ahead of time. It can be a confusing and overwhelming time for many...
Guidelines for Coping with Meltdowns of Your Child with ASD
Those who have an ASD are prone to have a catastrophic reaction or meltdown when overly stressed, anxious or frustrated. The meltdown may be externalised, with an intense despair that manifests as an expression of anger, perhaps with destruction of property or...
When and How Should I Inform My Child of their Diagnosis
A common question that crops up in our work of assisting children with neurodiverse presentations, often asked by parents and guardians, is when and how a child should be informed of their diagnosis. Caution should be had when informing children and adolescents,...
Gender Identity and Autism: Ways You Can Support Your Adolescent
by Dr Wesley Turner, Clinical Psychologist at Minds & Hearts Helping adolescents with gender identity and autism is both important and challenging. The development of self-identity and gender identity can be a confusing time for most adolescents. This can be...
Self-Injurious behaviours in Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
By Ms Lizaan Schwartz, Provisional Psychologist at Minds & Hearts As a professional working with adolescents on the autism spectrum at the clinic, I have observed an increased number of Self-Injurious behaviours being reported by clients’ parents and teachers....
Autism and Screen Time
Screen time and how to use it in a healthy and positive way is a topic of interest for many parents. Research suggests that children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) spend more time on video games and computers than their peers (Mazurek et al.,...
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