Professor Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett
Our commitment is born of a passion to understand, enhance and assist...
Presentations and Consulting for
Asperger's Syndrome and the Autism Spectrum
“I think everyone should experience the positivity these two exude while speaking so passionately about autism.” Attendee, Emotion Management Workshop Perth 2018
THE LATEST FROM OUR BLOG...
Encouraging the Positive in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) By, Ms Sarah Ormond, Psychologist
Pathological (extreme) demand avoidance (PDA) is a term applied to patterns of complex behaviours that may be seen in some children on the autism spectrum, who often experience heightened anxiety. Children with demand avoidance may present with difficulties in social communication, social interaction, relationships, and may present with obsessive and rigid behaviour consistent with ASD; however, PDA is proposed to be unique in...
Gifted Children on the Spectrum – How Can We Support Them? by Dr Wesley Turner, Clinical Psychologist
Often, ASD individuals who are also Gifted present with a combination of cognitive abilities and executive function difficulties that result in a ‘perfect storm’ that negatively impacts on academic and social performance. Typically, their neurocognitive profiles include discrepancies in the following areas: Cognitive Flexibility (the ability to make transitions, tolerate change, problem-solve flexibility and switch attention); Inhibitory...
Frequently Asked Question: What is involved in an ADOS assessment? By Ms Nicola Stigter, Provisional Psychologist
Many families who make an appointment for their child, with a psychologist or specialist for a diagnostic assessment for Autism Spectrum Condition, are unsure of what to expect and how to prepare ahead of time. It can be a confusing and overwhelming time for many families. While assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vary, a common diagnostic tool to assess ASD in children and adolescents is the Autism Diagnostic...
UPCOMING EVENTS
Make sure you book your ticket for Tony and Michelle's information packed events below...
Master Class: Children and Adolescents with ASD – Melbourne VIC 17 & 18 October 2019
Thursday 17th & Friday 18th October, 2019 – 9.30am – 4.00pm Manningham Hotel and Club, 1 Thompsons Road, Bulleen VIC 3105 ABOUT THIS MASTER CLASS Course materials are presented, using a combination of didactic teaching, taped demonstrations from real life clinical sessions, case studies, small group work, and question time. Each day is a stand-alone workshop, and participants may choose to choose either one or both workshops. DAY ONE Designing/conducting a diagnostic assessment, comorbidity and differential diagnoses, screening/diagnostic tools, report preparation, designing a treatment plan, and sharing results with families and children/adolescents. DAY TWO Innovations in CBT for depression in adolescents with ASD, anxiety reduction strategies, managing challenging behaviours, fostering expression of affection and friendships, and professional challenges in the field.
Girls and Women with ASD – Melbourne VIC 19 October 2019
Saturday 19th October, 2019 – 9.30am – 4.00pm Manningham Hotel and Club, 1 Thompsons Road, Bulleen VIC 3105 This presentation will celebrate the unique presentation of girls and women on the autism spectrum (ASD). It will increase awareness and knowledge of the female presentation of ASD and share strategies we find useful in clinical practice. We will address key challenges, including self-understanding, adolescence, relationships and expressing and managing emotions. We will provide strategies to maximise the possibility of successful outcomes. The presentation is for parents and family members, individuals on the spectrum, counsellors, GPs, occupational therapists, paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, teachers and teacher’s assistants.
“A wonderful workshop given by Tony and Michelle. It was amazing how much they covered in 2 days. The level of detail was perfect; including research details, applied approaches and then personal stories so that we could all identify with the case study. They both have such a wonderful open and kind approach that it is hard not to come away inspired and invigorated with ideas of how to help our wonderful ASD people.” Attendee, Master Class 2018
Minds & Hearts provides psychology services and training specifically for Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism.
Minds & Hearts was conceived to meet the enormous need for services specifically tailored for people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), and to increase knowledge and awareness about these conditions.
