Neurodivergent Support for Children, Teens and Families
Supporting autistic, ADHD and PDA children through art therapy, emotional regulation support, school refusal support and parent counselling. A neuro-affirming approach that helps children feel understood, supported and empowered while helping families build stronger connections and practical strategies for everyday life.
When Your Child Is Struggling, You Don't Have to Navigate It Alone
Many neurodivergent children experience challenges that can affect their wellbeing, confidence and relationships. Difficulties with emotional regulation, school attendance, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, social demands or everyday expectations can leave children and families feeling exhausted and misunderstood.
At Art Therapy Bayside, we provide neuro-affirming support for children, adolescents and families navigating:
Autism
ADHD
PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy)
Emotional Regulation Difficulties
School Refusal and School Can't
Parent and Family Support
Our approach focuses on understanding the child behind the behaviour, building emotional safety and supporting strengths rather than trying to change who a child is.
Take the first step toward support and wellbeing.
Book your first session today.
call us on 0485 705 026 or email arttherapybayside@gmail.com
Explore Neurodivergent Support Services
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Creative, sensory-aware therapy supporting emotional wellbeing, self-expression and confidence.
Explore our dedicated Autism support page: Art Therapy for Autism -
Support for emotional regulation, self-esteem, executive functioning challenges and social wellbeing.
Learn more about ADHD-focused art therapy: Art Therapy for ADHD -
Neuro-affirming support for children experiencing school refusal, school avoidance or school can't.
Read about our approach to school refusal: School Refusal Support -
Helping children identify emotions, develop coping skills and build nervous system regulation.
Discover emotional regulation therapy: Emotional Regulation Therapy -
Raising a neurodivergent child can be rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times.
Parent support sessions can help you:
Better understand your child's need, reduce conflict at home, support emotional regulation, navigate school challenges, understand PDA and demand avoidance, develop practical co-regulating strategies, and strengthen family relationships
When parents feel supported, children often benefit too.
Learn more about parent support services: Parent Counselling -
Find out about NDIS-funded services: NDIS Support
Burnout and exhaustion
Low self-esteem
Family conflict
Difficulty expressing emotions
Demand avoidance
Sensory sensitivities
Therapy provides a safe space to explore emotions, strengthen self-understanding and develop strategies that support wellbeing and connection.
Common Challenges We Help With
Children and adolescents may experience:
Emotional outbursts and meltdowns
Anxiety and overwhelm
Difficulty managing transitions
School refusal or school avoidance
Friendship challenges
Social and communication challenge
Frequently Asked Questions
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Neurodivergent support refers to therapeutic approaches that recognise and respect neurological differences such as autism, ADHD and PDA while supporting emotional wellbeing, regulation and family relationships.
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Yes. We provide neuro-affirming support for autistic children and adolescents through art therapy, parent support and emotional regulation work. Whether your child has a formal diagnosis, is waiting for an assessment, or you are beginning to seek answers, you do not need to wait for a diagnosis to access support. We meet families where they are, providing compassionate guidance, practical strategies and therapeutic support throughout every stage of the parenting journey.
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Art therapy can support children with ADHD to build emotional regulation, self-awareness, confidence and self-expression while also strengthening fine motor skills, concentration, planning, organisation and executive functioning. Through creative, hands-on activities, children can develop practical skills that support learning, emotional wellbeing and everyday functioning.
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PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy) is a neurodivergent profile often associated with autism. Children with a PDA profile are not choosing to be difficult, oppositional or defiant. Rather, their brains process demands, expectations and perceived loss of control differently. Everyday requests that may seem simple to others can trigger a heightened stress response within the nervous system, leading to anxiety, overwhelm, avoidance or distress.
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Yes. We work with children and families experiencing school refusal, school avoidance and school can’t, helping to understand the underlying causes while supporting emotional wellbeing. School attendance difficulties are often linked to anxiety, overwhelm, sensory challenges, learning differences, social pressures, burnout, emotional regulation difficulties or unmet support needs. Rather than focusing solely on attendance, our approach seeks to understand the child’s unique experience and the factors contributing to their distress. Through a neuro-affirming and strengths-based approach, we help children develop emotional awareness, regulation skills, confidence and self-understanding, while supporting families to better understand their child's needs. By creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space, we work alongside children and families to build resilience, reduce stress and foster a greater sense of connection, wellbeing and engagement in everyday life
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Yes. We support self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. If you are unsure how our services may fit within your child's NDIS plan, we can discuss your goals, available funding and the support options that may be available to your family.