About Exploring Autism
Autistic people bring unique perspectives and strengths to many areas of life. Some have deep focus and passion for specific subjects, while others excel in recognizing patterns, understanding systems, or thinking in innovative ways. Many experience the world with vivid clarity, noticing details that others may overlook.
Autism also influences communication and social interaction. Some prefer deep, thoughtful conversations over small talk, while many find comfort in structure and predictability. Sensory experiences - such as sound, light or texture can be deeply enriching or at times, overwhelming.
Every autistic person is different, but all share a way of being that is meaningful, valuable, and worthy of celebration. By embracing autism as part of human diversity, we help create a world that is more inclusive, creative, and whole.
Meet the team
Jonathan Rose
Psychologist
With more than 20 years in private practice, Jonathan offers a warm, grounded approach to assessments and therapy, shaped by both professional insight and lived experience.
Member of the Australian Psychological Society.
Dr Terry Rose
General Practitioner
Terry brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of how a diagnosis can shape the lives of individuals and their families.
He values the broader impact it can have, offering insight and support that extends beyond the clinical process and a special interest in child and adult development.
Dr Carla Humphrys
Clinical Psychologist
Carla has over 13 years experience as a Psychologist, working to provide various assessment and therapy services across private and public sectors.
Carla offers a client-centred, open, warm and compassionate approach to therapy and assessment.
What is Autism?
Autism is a type of neurological development that is characterised primarily by differences in perception, sensation, movement and expression. It encompasses a wide spectrum of experience and autistic people can have unique strengths and challenges. Many possess exceptional abilities in pattern recognition, systemising, memory, and detail-oriented thinking, while facing challenges with social interactions and/or sensory sensitivities.
For families, the word autism offers insights into their loved one’s experiences and pathways to effective support. For an autistic person, it can help them develop a positive sense of self and understanding of their own strengths and challenges.
Our commitment extends beyond diagnosis to partnership with families throughout their journey.
Our Diagnostic Approach
Our multidisciplinary team has lived experience of autism and employs gold-standard tools for accurate autism assessment. We apply DSM-5 criteria alongside structured evaluations using ADOS and ADI-R to gather comprehensive observational data and a developmental history.
Our approach seeks to identify both challenges and strengths and includes talent screening and Raven’s IQ testing when appropriate.This holistic process reveals each person’s individual profile, informing personalised support strategies.
We provide thorough feedback and establish ongoing support pathways, maintaining partnership with families beyond the initial diagnosis.
Our Therapeutic Approach
We integrate lived autism experience and person-centred principles with a narrative, dialectical and intentional change approach in both individual and group settings.
Our interventions address the complex interplay between autism and co-occurring patterns including ADHD, anxiety, and Positive Drive for Autonomy (also known as PDA).
We encourage collaborative goal-setting and skill development while honouring neurodiversity. This balanced approach creates personalised pathways, tools and strategies to well-being that respect each individual’s unique profile and aspirations