Neurodivergence & ADHD

Neurodivergent Family Support

Neuro-affirming counselling in Perth for children, teenagers, adults, parents and families navigating ADHD, autism, AuDHD, PDA and related challenges.

Children, teens, adults and parents No diagnosis required No referral required Individual and family support
Illustrated watercolour scene of a family together, representing the steady, supportive space Discovery Family Therapy's neurodivergent family support offers.

Does this sound familiar?

Neurodivergence can affect everyday life in different ways. You, your partner, your child or several members of your family might recognise some of these experiences.

For adults, couples, parents, families and children.

Executive functioning and everyday overwhelm

Starting tasks, managing time, remembering information, organising responsibilities or switching between competing demands can feel disproportionately difficult.

Sensory differences and overload

Noise, lighting, textures, movement, crowded environments or competing sensory input can lead to exhaustion, distress, shutdown or a need to escape.

Masking, burnout and late discovery

Constantly trying to meet expectations or appear to be coping can contribute to exhaustion, anxiety, loss of identity or a growing awareness that you might be neurodivergent.

Emotional intensity and recovery

Emotions, criticism, rejection or unexpected changes can feel intense. You might need more time, space or support to regulate, recover and reconnect.

Communication and relationship strain

Different communication styles, needs and ways of processing information can create repeated misunderstandings between partners, parents, children or other family members.

Demands, routines and competing needs

Everyday expectations, transitions and family responsibilities can trigger anxiety, avoidance or conflict, particularly when several neurodivergent needs exist within one household.

We begin with the patterns, strengths and difficulties affecting everyday life, then build practical support around the individual and family. Counselling can begin before or after a formal diagnosis.

Support for you and your family

Parent and family support

Practical support with regulation, routines, communication, conflict and reducing pressure at home.

Children’s counselling

Play-based, creative and developmentally appropriate support for emotions, confidence and everyday challenges.

Teen counselling

A respectful space for school stress, identity, relationships, emotional regulation and burnout.

Adult counselling

Support with late discovery, masking, overwhelm, relationships and understanding your needs.

Who you can book with

Mel Tibbitts, Senior Counsellor and Mental Health Occupational Therapist at Discovery Family Therapy

Mel Tibbitts

Senior Counsellor and Mental Health Occupational Therapist

Specialist areas:
Children, teens, parents, emotional regulation, behaviour support, family support, routines, school-related challenges
Qualifications:
B.Sc. (Hons) Occupational Therapy, Endorsed Mental Health Practitioner
Memberships:
AHPRA: OCC0002166799
View Mel's profile →
Nadia Kidgell, Principal Family Counsellor at Discovery Family Therapy

Nadia Kidgell

Principal Family Counsellor

Specialist areas:
Children, teens, parents, families, family systems, neurodivergence, complex family dynamics, trauma-informed support
Qualifications:
Dip. Couns., Cert. Play Therapy
Memberships:
Australian Counselling Association, Level 2: 19620
View Nadia's profile →
Zaynab Al-Fahrany, Children and Teen Counsellor at Discovery Family Therapy

Zaynab Al-Fahrany

Children and Teen Counsellor

Specialist areas:
Anxiety, school refusal, bullying, identity, ADHD, family change and conflict
Qualifications:
B.A. Psychology, Curtin University
Memberships:
Australian Counselling Association, Level 1: S87616
View Zaynab's profile →

In person at our South Perth clinic (close to Como, Applecross, Victoria Park and Mount Pleasant) and online across Australia, including support for FIFO families.

What happens next

1. Choose your starting appointment

Parents seeking support for a younger child usually begin with a parent-only session. Teens and adults can book an individual appointment.

2. Meet your practitioner

Share what has been happening, what is already helping and what you would like to change.

3. Create a practical way forward

Your practitioner will recommend the next steps, which could include individual, parent or family sessions.

Help me choose →

Common questions

Do you provide ADHD or autism assessments or diagnosis?

No. We are counsellors, not assessors, so we do not diagnose ADHD or autism. We provide neuro-affirming counselling and family support, and we are glad to work alongside your psychologist, paediatrician or GP, whether you are before, during or after an assessment.

Do we need a formal diagnosis to start?

No. Support is available with a formal diagnosis, while you are awaiting assessment or when you are exploring whether neurodivergence is part of the picture. Your lived experience, identity and current needs guide the work.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required. You can get in touch directly to arrange a first conversation.

How much does an appointment cost?

Most standard appointments are $169.40, and family sessions start at $193.60. Mel Tibbitts is billed separately at $200 per hour and is the only practitioner who offers Medicare and private health rebates. Your exact fee and any rebate are confirmed with you before your first appointment.

Can NDIS funding be used?

Self-managed and plan-managed participants can use eligible NDIS funding. Discovery Family Therapy is not a registered NDIS provider.

Are sessions available online?

Yes. Sessions are available in person in South Perth and online across Australia by secure video.

Find the right starting point

Book directly if you know what you need, or tell us a little about what is happening and we will help you choose.

Discovery Family Therapy is not a crisis service. If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call 000. Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788 (Perth) or 1800 676 822 (Peel) · Lifeline: 13 11 14 · Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467.