Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behaviour and interest. Autism is not a disorder to be “fixed” — it is a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world.
Psychological support for autistic individuals is not about “normalising” autistic traits. It is about addressing the real mental health challenges that can arise when autistic people navigate environments and social systems designed for neurotypical people — including anxiety, burnout, depression, and difficulties with relationships and identity.
Autistic individuals seek psychological support for a range of presenting concerns:
Mental health conditions:
Autistic-specific challenges:
Identity and adjustment:
Note: The Talk Shop offers a separate Autism Assessment service. This page covers ongoing psychological support for those who have received a diagnosis.
Autism affects approximately 1 in 70 Australians. Autistic people are 3–4 times more likely to experience a mental health condition than the general population — largely due to the stress of navigating neurotypical environments.
Many autistic adults spent years feeling “different” without explanation — often being misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or personality disorders before receiving an autism diagnosis. This journey can leave significant psychological impacts that benefit from dedicated support.
Standard psychological approaches are not always appropriate for autistic clients without adaptation. Autism-informed psychological support at The Talk Shop involves:
Our psychologists have experience working with autistic clients and are committed to an affirming, identity-respecting approach to care.
Treatment is tailored to the individual’s presenting concerns, not to their autism diagnosis:
Adapted CBT — modified for autistic cognitive styles, with greater emphasis on psychoeducation, explicit skill instruction, and behavioural experiments. Highly effective for co-occurring anxiety and depression.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — particularly well-suited to autistic clients, as it works with values-based living and psychological flexibility rather than challenging or changing autistic ways of thinking.
DBT skills — emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills are often highly relevant for autistic clients.
Identity and adjustment work — processing the impact of late diagnosis, integrating autistic identity, and developing authentic ways of engaging with the world.
Your first session is a 50-minute assessment focused on understanding your specific experiences, current challenges, and what you want support with. There is no assumption that your autism is the problem — we start from where you are and what matters to you.
Telehealth is available for all appointments and is often preferred by autistic clients who find clinic environments challenging. Sessions can be adapted for communication preferences, sensory needs, and individual therapeutic goals.
✓ WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
Our psychologists are experienced in working with autistic adults and young people. We accept NDIS, Medicare, and private bookings. Telehealth available for all appointments. Call 1300 224 665 or book online.
Our psychologists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches across many presentations. Browse our full directory of conditions and therapies we work with.
Lai, M.C., et al. (2019). Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population. Lancet Psychiatry, 6(10), 819–829.
Kerns, C.M., & Kendall, P.C. (2012). The presentation and classification of anxiety in autism spectrum disorder. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19(4), 323–347.
