Support for
Affirming support for autistic people, at every stage of life.
Affirming assessments and therapy for autistic adults and young people — neurodivergent-aware, strength-based care.
Key information you should know
- Many autistic people are not diagnosed until adulthood — late diagnosis is common and valid.
- An autism assessment at Succoris is strengths-based and affirming — not deficit-focused.
- Therapy supports quality of life, self-understanding, and navigating a neurotypical world.
Signs you might benefit from autism support
- Difficulty interpreting social cues, facial expressions, or unwritten social rules
- Deep, focused interests in specific topics
- Sensory sensitivities — to light, sound, texture, taste, or touch
- Preference for routines and distress when routines change unexpectedly
- Feeling exhausted after social interactions ('masking' to fit in)
- A sense of being fundamentally different from others without understanding why
How therapy can help with autism
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, not something to fix. Many autistic people seek therapy for anxiety, burnout, masking, social navigation, or late diagnosis.
Our clinicians take an affirming, strengths-based approach. Assessment and therapy respect sensory needs, communication style, and identity. Goals are set collaboratively rather than imposed from a neurotypical template.
Psychologists who support autism
13 psychologists with experience in autism.
Accepting new clientsBook with AlisonAlison Cole
Psychologist
Alison provides a warm, supportive and collaborative therapeutic approach, creating a safe space where clients feel heard, understood and empowered to work towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with BandaiBandai Choi
Clinical Psychologist
Bandai supports individuals across the lifespan with a thoughtful and empathetic approach. He works collaboratively with clients to address complex challenges, tailoring therapy to each person's unique needs.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with BeauDr Beau Gamble
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Beau is a warm, thoughtful, and experienced psychologist. He brings genuine curiosity to the people he works with, and takes a patient, collaborative approach to therapy.
Works from Succoris Joondalup
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Grace Crowley
Clinical Psychologist & Assessment Liaison
Gracie is a clinically endorsed and AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologist. She works with clients across the lifespan (ages 8 and above) with a strong passion for supporting people who have experienced complex trauma.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Accepting new clientsBook with LianaLiana Harris
Psychologist
Liana provides a gentle and supportive approach, helping clients work through emotional and interpersonal challenges. She works collaboratively with individuals to create a safe and compassionate space.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Maddy Stenlake
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Madeleine works integratively with adults supporting a wide range of psychological presentations with care and clarity.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with MalwinaMalwina Patton
Psychologist
Malwina provides a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. She works with individuals across the lifespan, helping people make sense of their experiences and move towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Melanie Shannon
Child & Adolescent Psychologist
Melanie is a child and adolescent psychologist specialising in early intervention. With experience across schools, hospitals, and private practice, she enjoys working collaboratively with children, their families, and the wider network of care.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Accepting new clientsBook with SamanthaSamantha Lintott
Clinical Psychologist
Samantha offers a warm, non-judgemental space for children, adolescents, and adults. She supports clients to navigate emotional and interpersonal challenges using evidence-based, collaborative approaches.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with SumairaSumaira Yousaf
Psychologist
Sumaira Yousaf is a registered General Psychologist with extensive international clinical experience across Australia and the UAE. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a warm, strengths-focused approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Tempanie Thomas
Provisional Psychologist
Tempanie has experience working with a diverse range of people seeking support for a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and age-related transitions.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Common questions about autism
What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that shapes how a person communicates, experiences the world, and processes information. It is a spectrum, so strengths and support needs vary widely from person to person. Autism is not an illness to be cured. Many autistic people seek understanding, accommodations, and support that fits how they think and feel. Recognition can happen at any age, and support is available for children, teenagers, and adults.
How do I know if I or my child might be autistic?
Signs can include differences in social communication, a preference for routine, focused interests, and sensitivity to sensory input such as noise, light, or texture. Many autistic adults describe feeling different for a long time without knowing why. Because autism presents differently in everyone, and can be missed in girls and adults, a psychological assessment is the clearest way to understand your experiences and whether autism is part of the picture.
What kind of support do you offer for autistic people?
Our psychologists take a strengths-based, affirming approach. Support can include assessment for clarity and self-understanding, therapy for related concerns such as anxiety or emotional regulation, and practical strategies for daily life, study, or work. The aim is not to change who someone is, but to reduce distress and help them thrive as themselves. We work with children, teenagers, and adults, and can liaise with schools or supports where helpful.
Is autism support covered by Medicare or NDIS?
It depends on your situation. A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates on individual therapy sessions, and some people access autism-related support through the NDIS. Assessments are often not fully covered, so it is worth asking us about fees first. You do not need a referral to book. Contact us and we can talk through funding options and help you find the right psychologist.
What is the difference between autism and Asperger's?
Asperger's was once a separate diagnosis for autistic people without an intellectual disability or language delay. It is no longer used as a distinct diagnosis. Both are now understood as part of the single autism spectrum, described in current diagnostic manuals as autism spectrum disorder. Some people still identify with the term Asperger's from an earlier diagnosis, which is understandable, though clinicians now use autism spectrum to describe the full range of experiences.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.