Autism Therapy in the Sutherland Shire

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our team provides neurodiversity-affirming autism therapy and counselling for children, adolescents and adults across the Sutherland Shire and surrounding suburbs. Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

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We also provide adult autism assessments at our Menai practice for people seeking clarity around lifelong patterns, sensory differences, communication style and executive functioning.​

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What is autism?

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Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that influences how a person processes information, experiences sensory input, and navigates communication and social interaction. It can affect daily life at school, work, in relationships and across routines, contributing to overwhelm, emotional regulation difficulties or fatigue from environments that don't align with how someone naturally thinks.

 

​Autism also involves strengths such as attention to detail, sustained focus, deep interests, honesty and persistence.

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How does autism present?

 

Autism can present in different ways, including:

 

• Communication and social interaction differences

• Sensory sensitivities

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Challenges with transitions and change

• Executive functioning differences

• Focused interests

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Autism may overlap with ADHD, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders or trauma.

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How does autism present at different ages?

 

Autism presents differently depending on age, environment and life stage.

 

In children, therapy often focuses on emotional regulation, communication and navigating everyday environments, often alongside parents or caregivers.

 

In adolescents, therapy may centre on identity, school demands, friendships and increasing independence, alongside managing overwhelm and emotional intensity.

 

In adults, therapy often focuses on sensory differences, relationships, workplace demands and executive functioning. Many adults seek autism therapy after recognising longstanding patterns that have impacted different areas of life.

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Our approach

 

Autism is one of many areas we work with. See the full list of conditions we work with at our Menai practice.

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Our psychologists, counsellors and mental health social workers have experience working with autism across the lifespan, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood.

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Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming and tailored to each person's needs. Sessions may draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), neuro-affirming therapy and trauma informed approaches, depending on what is most appropriate. We also offer Play and Art Therapy for younger clients.

 

Our autism clinicians

 

Our team's autism clinicians include Vanessa Allen, Katelyn Mannix, Mary Bahram, Jaina Jogia, Charmaine Guthrie and Catherine Roberts. Adult Autism and ADHD Assessments are conducted by Jaina Jogia and Katelyn Mannix.

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You can read more about each clinician's background and areas of focus on our Our Team page. All clinicians are registered with AHPRA, AASW or the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.

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Contact Us

 

Our Menai practice serves people from across the Sutherland Shire, including Miranda, Caringbah, Cronulla, Kirrawee, Engadine, Bangor, Illawong, and surrounding areas.

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Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online counselling across Australia.

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If you're unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.