Sunshine Psychology Assessments

17/11/2025

11/11/2025

“I just felt as though everything I’d been keeping together, my coping, my masking, simply snapped. It was as though my autism broke.”

- Research participant in a seminal study* on menopause and autism

Many autistic people use camouflaging, that is suppressing their autistic and ADHD traits and imitating non-autistic ways of behaving, to survive. However, many find that when their estrogen levels start to drop, heralding the beginning of menopause (which can start in the early 40’s) they don’t have the energy or executive functioning capacity to mask or camouflage any longer. At the same time, they struggle with sleeping (due to increased anxiety and hot flushes) which leads to energy depletion and more ‘brain fog.’ Suddenly emotion regulation feels inaccessible and sensory sensitivities can be heightened. The sense of fear and lack of safety could escalate exponentially, especially if support sought is not attuned, invalidating or just not forthcoming. It is helpful to be forewarned about the changes that commonly occur for autistic people prior to these changes starting, and developing strategies to manage them, including being able to access the right kinds of support. In essence, it is important to know that you are not broken, your autism is not broken and you are not alone.

📚Learn more!
Want to learn more about the unique strengths, challenges, and lived experiences of autistic women?
Join the webcast Autistic Women webcast on 7 November 2025 - An afternoon session, 1:30 pm – 4:45 pm AEST to explore the experiences, strengths, and mental health of autistic women across adulthood.
🔗 https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-autistic-women-7th-november-2025

In the morning, we are hosting our Autistic Girls from 9:30 am – 12:45 pm AEST, Brisbane time - join to gain research-informed insights and practical strategies for supporting authenticity, wellbeing, and inclusion.
🔗 https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-autistic-girls-7th-november-2025

*Moseley, R. L., Druce, T., & Turner-Cobb, J. M. (2020). 'When my autism broke': A qualitative study spotlighting autistic voices on menopause. Autism, 24(6), 1423-1437.

11/11/2025

“Living with poor interoception feels like being disconnected from the dashboard of your car. You’re driving, but you can’t see the fuel gauge, the engine light, or the speedometer.” — Autistic writer, NeuroClastic, 2020

This quote perfectly describes what it can feel like when your body’s signals are hard to read. Without those internal “dashboard” cues, it can be tough to notice when you’re hungry, tired, or starting to feel anxious. For many autistic people, that disconnection makes everyday self-care and emotional regulation a real challenge, and that’s why understanding interoception matters.
Join us for Interoception and Autism, a one-day webcast exploring how awareness of internal body signals can support autistic people in self-regulation, emotional connection, and wellbeing. Drawing on lived experience, clinical insight, and new research, this event offers practical, neurodiversity affirming strategies for increasing interoceptive awareness through mindfulness.

📅 15 January 2026
🕓 9:30am–4pm GMT | 7:30pm–2am AEST

🔗Learn more or register here: https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-interoception-and-autism-15-january-2026

🎥 Fully Recorded - 60 days access.

04/11/2025

31/10/2025

Hats off to teachers today on World Teachers' Day - Friday 31 October 👒🎩🧢 Today we celebrate the amazing teachers across AQ (and the wider community) who inspire, support, and empower our students and young people every single day. Who are you celebrating today?

21/10/2025

A 6-week program that builds creativity, problem-solving, and social connection, through fun and play! Perfect for kids who find it difficult to interact, communicate, or express themselves. Why LEGO Club? ✔ LEGO-based Therapy: Promotes communication, teamwork, and fine motor skills through creati...

14/10/2025

🎉 Carers Week Young Carer Giveaway! 🎉

Young Carers registered with Carers WA can enter a draw to win a free Respite Activity Kit – designed to help you relax, recharge, and have fun!

Choose from 3 unique kits:
🧶 Create Some Space – clay & origami fun
🧘 Wellness Warrior – yoga gear & health tips
📓 Reflect, Dream & Aspire – journal, pens & tea

Limited kits available – register now to pick your fave! 💙
👉 www.carerswa.asn.au/young-carers-giveaway-25

Because even superheroes need a break.

13/10/2025

Super amazing free resouces here. 😍

Calling all educators and teachers – it’s time to get ready for Term 4 with our range of downloadable resources 📚

Visit our online Resource Library where you will find tip sheets, Social Stories™, visual supports and much more, created to help you support students in the classroom and build student knowledge about Autism.

Check out all our resources for educators and teachers here:
https://autism.org.au/knowledge-hub/resource-library/?audience=educators

13/10/2025

Have you already had an autism assessment done, but it's not quite enough for your NDIS or school funding application? You might have been asked for more information. If the report has been done by a non clinical psychologist, NDIS will often require it to be cosinged by a clinical psychologist.

A clinical psychologists is a 'Lead Practitioner' meaning they can do a single clinican, single report diagnosis and cosign other psychologists reports. It means in many cases, you don't need to pay for another whole report by another clinician as part of a 'multidisciplinary team, requiring multiple assessments. Check with us if we can help you by cosinging your exsiting report.

We get it! It's stressful and confusing. We're veteran autism parents and speak NDIS. We're happy to answer your questions and clarify the process so you can apply for the services and supports you need and deserve. We're totally here for it and ready to go on this journey with you. You don't have to do this alone and lie awake at night worrying. We know because we've done it too.

If you're looking for compassionate and kind support reach out. We'd love to help you navigate the jungle.
Call: 08 9497 1548
E: sunshinepsych7@gmail.com
Visit: www.feelhappynow.com.au

13/10/2025

Have you already had an autism assessment done, but it's not quite enough for your NDIS or school funding application? You might have been asked for more information. If the report has been done by a non clinical psychologist, NDIS will often require it to be cosinged by a clinical psychologist.

A clinical psychologists is a 'Lead Practitioner' meaning they can do a single clinican, single report diagnosis and cosign other psychologists reports. It means in many cases, you don't need to pay for another whole report by another clinician as part of a 'multidisciplinary team, requiring multiple assessments. Check with us if we can help you by cosinging your exsiting report.

We get it! It's stressful and confusing. We're veteran autism parents and speak NDIS. We're happy to answer your questions and clarify the process so you can apply for the services and supports you need and deserve. We're totally here for it and ready to go on this journey with you. You don't have to do this alone and lie awake at night worrying. We know because we've done it too.

If you're looking for compassionate and kind support reach out. We'd love to help you navigate the jungle.
Call: 08 9497 1548
E: sunshinepsych7@gmail.com
Visit: www.feelhappynow.com.au

11/10/2025

Autism, PDA & ADHD Assessments available NOW with a clinical psychologist! Skip multiple assessments and confusion and understand the process step-by-step. One report is all you need when its done by a clinical psychologist. Download the free guide today on the website.
I've done hundreds of assessments including many for women and girls. I know it can feel overwhelming because I'm a veteran autism mum. I speak NDIS and know which assessments are prefered and recognised by NDIS. I include an additional NDIS specific summary addressing the NDIS functional criteria, and provide the evidence you need.
Don't wait any longer to access the supports and services you need and deserve. Reach out today. We'd love to support you on your journey. We get it and we're here for you.
Ph: 08 9497 1548
E: sunshinepsych7@gmail.com
W: wwwfeelhappynow.com.au
Open: Mon-Thur, 9am - 5 pm
Don't worry if you don't like talking on the phone. We'll email with you until all your questions are answered. No, you're not bugging us.
Reports returned in 14 days.

Download the FREE eBook that explains what to expect with an assessment for autism and ADHD.