Autism & Neurodiversity

On 1 October the federal government launched Thriving Kids, the program that's meant to replace the NDIS for thousands of young autistic children and children with developmental delay. I've got one question, and I'm genuinely asking: what actually is it? I've gone looking, and so have doctors, autism experts and a lot of very frustrated parents. Nobody can give you a straight answer. What Thriving Kids Actually Gave Families on Day One On 1 October, families got online resour

Many neurodivergent girls are recognised late and get very good at masking, and the years after school can be the hardest. Here's why a space of their own matters, what to look for in a group, and how Girl Squad on the Gold Coast works.

April is Autism Month. Across Queensland, communities are coming together to celebrate, raise awareness and take part in initiatives like Autism QLD’s #TrueColours campaign. Campaigns like this play an important role in bringing people together and encouraging meaningful action. Autism Month in QLD isn’t just about recognising autism. It’s about understanding what inclusion actually looks like in everyday life. Awareness vs Understanding Awareness is simple. It’s knowing auti

Every autistic person is different, and good autism support starts with understanding them. Here's what autism can look like for teens and adults, what quality support looks like, how the NDIS fits in, and how we support autistic people on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Many neurodivergent young men know the social rules but struggle to use them in busy, real-world places. Here's why practice out in the community and real friendships help, what to look for in a group, and how our Social & Skills group on the Gold Coast works.

Neurodiversity is a different way of thinking about brain differences like autism and learning differences. Here's what it means, how neurodivergent conditions relate to the NDIS, common myths, and how to be a neurodiversity-affirming supporter.

For the first time in history, Australia has launched a National Autism Strategy, a seven-year plan designed to improve the lives of autistic people in practical, long-lasting ways. Whether you’re autistic yourself, a family member or a support worker, this strategy is worth knowing about. It’s not just another government document. It’s a sign that things are shifting, towards more inclusion, more understanding, and hopefully, more meaningful support. 🧠 Why We Need a Nationa

For many NDIS participants, especially those with autism, ADHD, psychosocial disability, or anxiety, one of the most powerful everyday tools sits alongside any therapy or medication they use. It’s routine. Predictable routines reduce uncertainty, build emotional safety, and help participants feel more in control of their day. At Loving Life, we design all our supports (especially our group programs) with this in mind. Here’s how routine plays a key role in reducing anxiety, a

Why hearing and understanding aren’t always the same thing. Have you ever spoken to someone and felt like they heard you, but didn’t quite understand you? Or maybe your child zones out when there's a lot of background noise, or gets overwhelmed in busy environments. This could be more than distraction or inattention. It could be Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), sometimes called Auditory Processing Difficulties. It affects how the brain makes sense of the sounds we hear. Le

Update, September 2026: This post was written in August 2025, when Thriving Kids was first announced. Since then the details have been confirmed. From 1 October 2026, children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs will start accessing Thriving Kids, with full rollout by 1 January 2028. Children who join the NDIS before then will be reassessed under the current eligibility rules, and children with high support needs stay on t

If you support a neurodivergent child, teen, or adult, you’ve likely witnessed moments of emotional overwhelm that seem to appear “out of nowhere.” But for many autistic or ADHD participants, these intense reactions are linked to emotional triggers: often subtle, often misunderstood, but very real. Let’s break down what emotional triggers are, why they matter, and how support workers and families can respond with empathy and effectiveness. What Are Emotional Triggers? An emot

For many neurodivergent participants, the right structure is what makes taking part possible. Here's why structured group programs work, what happens if someone struggles, and what we see in our groups on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Emotional regulation is a vital life skill. For many NDIS participants it is also one of the most important areas of support. Whether someone is managing big emotions, meltdowns, anxiety, or sensory overwhelm, learning to self-regulate can open the door to greater independence, stronger relationships, and genuine confidence in everyday life. At Loving Life, we use a combination of 1:1 support and group-based programs to help participants build emotional awareness and regulati

Executive function helps us plan, organise and get things done, and for many neurodivergent teens these skills need extra support. Here's what it is, the signs to look for, and six everyday strategies that really help.

You have had a big day. A group activity, a family event, something new in the community. It felt fine at the time. Now everything is too loud, too fast, and your body just wants to shut down. That is not weakness. That is social burnout. And for many NDIS participants, it is one of the most misunderstood experiences they deal with. What is social burnout? Social burnout is emotional, mental, and sensory exhaustion that builds after prolonged or demanding social interaction.