Neurodivergent-Affirming, Evidence-Based Therapeutic Support

Our therapeutic supports for adults are grounded in lived experience, professional excellence, and deep understanding that many autistic adults have spent years or decades believing they were broken-when really, the systems around us were broken. We deliver NDIS-funded therapeutic supports through an evidence-based 3-phase framework designed to build and maintain capacity throughout adult life.

 

All therapeutic supports are delivered by qualified allied health professionals registered with relevant professional bodies with specialised training in trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming adult therapy.

 

Our 3-Phase Therapeutic Approach:

 

Phase 1: Establishing Therapeutic Alliance & Safety (8-12+ weeks)

Traditional therapeutic approaches have often harmed autistic adults by pathologising their neurodivergence. We take the time needed (sometimes longer than 12 weeks) to build genuine therapeutic trust through shared interests, authentic conversation, and demonstrated understanding.

Evidence-based therapeutic frameworks including Compassion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and trauma-informed approaches are introduced gradually through shared interests, creative activities, and peer discussions.

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For many, this therapeutic space offers the first experience of: "I'm not broken. I never was." Therapeutic work during this phase acknowledges and holds space for grief - for lost years, for what could have been -and for anger at systems that failed us. It also supports the profound relief of finding community.

Identity reconstruction begins here, with therapeutic support in safety and solidarity.

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Phase 2: Therapeutic Intervention for Healing & Authenticity (12-24+ months)

All therapeutic interventions are delivered through approaches adults find meaningful - peer discussions, interest-based activities, creative projects, and structured therapeutic work that respects autistic ways of processing.

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Evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) - essential for addressing learned self-criticism - and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for values-aligned living are delivered by qualified therapists with expertise in adult neurodevelopment and trauma.

 

Measurable therapeutic goals are established collaboratively and focus on:

• Processing experiences of masking and its impacts

• Developing self-compassion and self-acceptance

• Addressing internalised ableism and shame

• Building authentic communication and relationships

• Strengthening self-advocacy in multiple contexts

• Processing complex trauma related to being misunderstood

• Addressing autistic burnout and preventing recurrence

• Developing sustainable self-regulation strategies

• Life role adjustment and identity reconstruction

 

For late-diagnosed adults, therapeutic work acknowledges and addresses:

• Complex grief and loss

• Trauma from misdiagnosis and invalidation

• Identity reconstruction after decades of masking

• Relationship repair and renegotiation

• Boundary development and self-protection

 

Therapeutic outcomes are measured through:

• Functional improvements in wellbeing and daily functioning

• Self-reported quality of life measures

• Demonstrated use of therapeutic strategies

• Progress toward collaboratively-set goals

• Increased self-acceptance and reduced self-criticism

• Improved regulation and reduced burnout symptoms

• Enhanced authentic relationships and self-advocacy

 

Regular progress monitoring by qualified therapists ensures therapeutic effectiveness and responsiveness to individual needs.

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Phase 3: Therapeutic Maintenance & Relapse Prevention (Ongoing)

Once adults have engaged in deep therapeutic work and developed more authentic ways of functioning, ongoing therapeutic maintenance sustains wellbeing and prevents return of harmful patterns - remasking, burnout, isolation, self-abandonment.

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Evidence-based maintenance therapy for autistic adults recognises that ongoing therapeutic support is often essential for sustaining wellbeing, particularly for those who are late-diagnosed or recovering from burnout. This is consistent with NDIS maintenance therapy guidelines for progressive or chronic conditions.

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Maintenance therapy focuses on:

• Sustaining self-compassion and self-acceptance

• Supporting continued authentic functioning

• Maintaining boundaries and self-advocacy

• Preventing burnout relapse

• Providing therapeutic support during life transitions

• Maintaining connection with qualified therapists

• Sustaining peer community connection

 

Therapeutic maintenance is evidence-based: Research shows autistic adults benefit from ongoing therapeutic support to maintain functional capacity, prevent regression, and sustain wellbeing in neurotypical-dominated environments

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For many adults, especially those late-diagnosed or recovering from burnout, ongoing access to qualified therapists and autistic community isn't dependency - it's appropriate therapeutic support that maintains capacity and enables sustainable, authentic living.