Welcome Referrers...
Let’s Work Together to Support Neurodivergent Kids and Families
Thank you for your interest in connecting with me. As a psychologist and parent of neurodivergent children, I am deeply passionate about providing tailored, neuroaffirming support that truly makes a difference.
I understand how vital your role is, and I’m here to partner with you in creating positive outcomes for neurodivergent kids.
Whether you’re a GP, school staff member, paediatrician, early learning centre professional, support coordinator or an allied health professional like me my goal is to provide you with trusted, practical services and resources tailored to your clients’ needs.
Have a question or want to make a referral please contact me…
…Be the first to hear about new programs, services, and resources.
Below, you’ll find an overview of the programs and services I offer, each designed to address unique needs with practical, real-world strategies:
Our Therapy Play Group offers a supportive, low-pressure environment for neurodivergent children aged 4–9 years to explore, connect, and grow. Led by a psychologist (Emma Richards) and teacher (Nicky Dobson), the group focuses on fostering creativity, social skills, and meaningful relationships. With flexible participation options and a deep understanding of each child’s unique needs, the group provides a space where children feel safe, respected, and empowered. Sessions are held weekly during school terms in Rockhampton.
The Nurturing Neurodivergence Learning Loft is a self-paced online program designed for parents of neurodivergent kids. The course equips parents with practical strategies to transform everyday challenges into growth opportunities. Covering key areas like executive functioning, routines, self-regulation, and holistic well-being, the program empowers families to create supportive, thriving environments. Flexible and accessible, it offers options to suit different levels of engagement and need.
I offer parent sessions, available both in-person and online, to empower parents of neurodivergent children with tools and strategies to help their family thrive. My approach celebrates neurodiversity, using everyday moments as opportunities for growth, and provides personalised guidance tailored to each family’s needs. By equipping parents with practical strategies and confidence, these sessions help create lasting positive change for the whole family.
This program provides families with practical tools to help children develop self-regulation skills. It places a strong emphasis on parent education, equipping parents with foundational knowledge and strategies to support their child’s regulation journey. Through collaborative activities and guided lessons, families learn to create shared language around regulation and implement 15 regulation strategies at home. Designed to be flexible and engaging, the program empowers families to build supportive routines that meet their unique needs.
I provide comprehensive assessments to help families understand a child’s strengths and unique needs. I focus on the assessment of neurodevelopmental differences in children (i.e. ADHD, ASD, intellectual disability, and learning disorders). I prioritise recognising each child’s individuality and providing meaningful guidance. Families are supported throughout the process, ensuring they feel confident and equipped to help their child thrive.
Myself and our team at Nurture & Thrive Psychology Rockhampton currently have no waiting list for assessments!
The ADHD Crash Course is a self-paced program designed to help parents understand ADHD and support their children more effectively. The course explores the core characteristics of ADHD—attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—while debunking common misconceptions and addressing the impact of environmental expectations. It also highlights the unique strengths of the ADHD brain, such as creativity and problem-solving, offering practical strategies to foster growth and connection. This course provides a neuroaffirming foundation for parents seeking to better understand their child’s experiences and needs.
I offer in-person therapy for children 12 and under, focusing on creating meaningful progress both in the therapy room and at home. My approach emphasises collaboration with parents, empowering them with the skills and confidence to support their child outside of sessions. By addressing foundational areas like sleep, eating, and attention regulation, we create the stability needed for children to thrive. Using a neuroaffirming, child-centred approach, I help families turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth, ensuring progress is impactful and lasting. I work with both private, Medicare and NDIS clients, tailoring support to meet each family’s unique needs.
The Small Wins, Big Impact guide helps parents turn everyday challenges into meaningful growth opportunities for their neurodivergent kids. It introduces practical strategies for creating moments of connection, embracing outdoor time, and validating big emotions—all within daily routines. These approaches help families build stronger relationships, support emotional regulation, and foster resilience, making small, intentional changes that lead to big, positive impacts over time.
I provide one-on-one food therapy sessions designed to support children with restricted diets, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), or significant food aversions. These sessions take place in a relaxed kitchen setting, creating a safe and practical space for children to explore new foods at their own pace. By fostering curiosity and reducing the stress associated with eating, the therapy helps children gradually expand their food choices and build a positive relationship with food. Parents are an integral part of the process, equipped with tools and strategies to support progress at home, ensuring lasting change and improved well-being for the child.
The Calm Starts Here: Understanding What Drives Your Child’s Emotions guide equips parents with practical tools to navigate their neurodivergent child’s big emotions. By helping parents uncover the reasons behind intense feelings and offering compassionate strategies to respond, this resource fosters stronger parent-child connections and emotional balance. It introduces simple, actionable steps to create a calmer, more supportive family environment while empowering parents to turn emotional challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
From Meltdowns to Calm: Our Snack System That Works for “Hangry” is a practical guide designed to help parents manage hunger-related regulation struggles in neurodivergent kids. By introducing a simple, proactive snack system, this resource supports self-awareness, independence, and emotional regulation. Parents will learn how to reduce meltdowns, ease daily transitions, and create a more predictable, stress-free approach to snack time. With actionable strategies that foster connection and confidence, this guide helps families turn “hangry” moments into opportunities for self-regulation and calm.
I’m always working on new resources, guides, and programs to support neurodivergent kids and their families. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!
👉 Check back soon for updates or join our Referrers’ Email List to be the first to hear about new offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I refer a family to your services?
To make a referral you can speak with Donna about this by calling us on 07 48173510 or alternatively you can email me at: emma.richards@nurtureandthrive.com.au
Do you work with NDIS clients?
Yes, I accept private, Medicare and NDIS clients for all my services.
What happens after I refer a family?
I will contact the family directly to discuss their needs and guide them through the next steps. If needed, I will also keep you informed about progress, with the family’s consent.
What ages do you work with?
I work with children up to 12 years and their families, providing assessments, therapy, and parent support.
Working Together for Better Outcomes
Thank you for considering me as a trusted partner in supporting neurodivergent children and their families. I am passionate about creating positive change and providing tailored, neuroaffirming care. If you have any questions, need further information, or would like to discuss a specific referral, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
