Real Calm

I currently have capacity to accept a small number of new assessment referrals.

If you or your child have been wondering whether autism, ADHD or another neurodevelopmental difference may explain your experiences, an assessment can provide greater understanding, identify strengths and support needs, and help guide recommendations for home, school, work and everyday life.

Assessments are:
- Neuroaffirming and strengths based
- Individualised and evidence-informed
- Conducted in a calm, supportive environment
- Suitable for children, adolescents and adults

Every assessment includes a comprehensive clinical formulation and practical recommendations tailored to the individual's needs.

Located in Albany, WA.
Telehealth available.

To learn more or make an enquiry, please visit our website: https://www.realcalm.com.au/

This week I'm attending virtually the 2026 Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference & LOAPAC Expo: 'The Power of Community in Social Change'.
I'm feeling so fortunate to be able to learn from experts in the field, and grateful to the organisers for the special attention given to inclusion and accessibility.

Today, the Australian Government announced $455,000 in funding to improve the experience of autism assessment and diagnosis. I am a founding member of the League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues, and I am so excited to find out that we will be partnering with Reframing Autism and the University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project to contribute to this national initiative.

"As clinicians who conduct assessments and support individuals and families through the diagnostic process, and who have lived experience of neurodivergence ourselves, we are excited to help shape the next generation of affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive resources for Australia."

https://loapac.org/

https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/senator-the-hon-jenny-mcallister/media/455000-to-improve-experience-of-autism-assessment-and-diagnosis?language=en&fbclid=IwY2xjawSYhY5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYSGRrYmdPZzF0R0ZVTEl0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv1D1cS_IS7AvSkU1J1d8dInYEUqkrHY3xdNeW8_F-YLNBq4cx8u3E0VzgL3_aem_GhKhq_OqExFJMkUUGdNLdQ

There’s a lot being said right now about “securing the NDIS for future generations.” And yes, sustainability matters, fraud should be addressed and public systems need integrity.

But we also need to be very clear about what is actually being proposed. These changes are not just about fraud or efficiency.

They include:
* Narrowing who can access the NDIS
* Reducing participant budgets
* Shifting eligibility away from diagnosis and toward functional assessments
* Re-defining what support is considered “reasonable and necessary”

The language being used is about sustainability but the impact will be felt in people’s daily lives.

In my work, I see individuals and families who already:
* Delay seeking support because of cost or access barriers
* Rely on NDIS funding for essential, not optional, supports
* Experience significant distress when supports are reduced or uncertain

The NDIS is not an “extra" - it is what allows them to function, participate and cope.

There is also an important clinical reality here.

Functional capacity is not always static or easily measured.
People may appear “capable” in structured environments while experiencing significant internal distress, burnout or reduced capacity at home.

If access becomes more tightly defined by observable function alone, there is a real risk that:
* people with genuine support needs will no longer qualify
* support will be delayed until crisis point
* pressure will shift back onto families and already stretched mainstream systems

We also need to be careful about the narrative.

When public discourse focuses heavily on “rorts” and “unsustainable growth,” it risks:
* undermining trust in people who use the scheme
* obscuring the structural issues within the system
* justifying broad reductions that impact participants, not just providers

The NDIS is a significant social reform which reflects a commitment to inclusion, dignity, and shared responsibility. Those principles need to remain at the centre.

Sustainability should not come at the cost of access.
And cost control should not come at the cost of care.

If you are feeling distressed, please take care of yourself and speak to someone you trust. The following help services are available:
Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Kids Helpline Official https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Su***de Call Back Service https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
13 Yarn https://www.13yarn.org.au/
Q-Life https://qlife.org.au/