Autism support in Gosford
Neuroaffirming therapy for autistic adults seeking understanding, clarity, and confidence — in Gosford, Hornsby, or via telehealth.
Neuroaffirming therapy for autistic adults on the Central Coast
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that shapes how a person thinks, relates, communicates, and experiences the world. It influences sensory processing, social dynamics, routines, and interests — but it also brings unique strengths, creativity, and insight.
Every autistic person is different. Some prefer direct, literal communication; others navigate the world through deep focus, curiosity, or pattern recognition. Some thrive on structure and predictability; others need flexibility and space.
Autism is not something to "fix." It is a valid, meaningful way of experiencing life. Many challenges arise not from autism itself, but from environments, expectations, and social demands that don't align with an individual's needs.
Although based in Gosford, I support autistic adults from across the Central Coast and in Hornsby through a neuroaffirming, strengths-based therapeutic approach grounded in respect, understanding, and individual needs.
For a deeper overview of how autism shapes communication, sensory processing, and identity, you can read our Autism Guide.
What brings autistic adults to therapy
Autistic adults often seek support for experiences such as:
- Communication differencesPreferring clarity, directness, or literal language
- Routines and predictabilityFeeling grounded by structure or familiarity
- Sensory sensitivityHeightened or reduced responses to sound, light, textures, or movement
- Social fatigueFinding group settings or long conversations exhausting
- Masking or camouflagingFeeling pressure to hide autistic traits to "fit in"
- Emotional overwhelmDifficulty with rapid emotions, transitions, or unexpected changes
If anxiety, overwhelm, or chronic tension are also part of your experience, additional support is available through our anxiety treatment in Gosford.
Support that fits you, not the other way around
Our support is collaborative, validating, and tailored to each person's goals. Therapy is never about suppressing autistic identity — it's about improving wellbeing, reducing stress, and helping you live in alignment with your values.
All sessions are adapted to your communication style, sensory preferences, and pacing needs.
A neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach
At MindSure Psychology, we support autistic adults through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens.
Our goal is to help you feel more grounded, supported, and empowered — not to change who you are.
Who this service is designed for
This page is designed for autistic adults and adults exploring whether they may be autistic, including those who:
- Have recently self-identified
- Are navigating burnout or exhaustion
- Are seeking strategies to manage overwhelm or sensory sensitivity
- Want to understand and express their needs confidently
- Are unpacking past experiences, relationships, or identity
- Prefer a psychologist who is neuroaffirming and experienced with autism
If you're seeking clarity about whether you may be autistic, therapy can help you explore your experiences, understand your strengths and challenges, and decide whether seeking a formal autism assessment elsewhere feels right for you.
If you'd like to read more about what this experience can look like, you can read our guide on late-identified autism in adults.
If you're not sure where to start, you're welcome to get in touch or simply book a first appointment.
While this video isn't specific to autism, it explains my approach to therapy and what to expect.
A warm, evidence-based approach
James Wightman is a Registered Psychologist and Clinical Psychology Registrar providing therapy for adults on the Central Coast and in Hornsby. He offers a warm, collaborative, and evidence-based approach, helping clients build practical strategies that support meaningful and lasting change.
He has worked across Queensland Health, Aurora Healthcare, Griffith University Psychology Clinic, and private practice in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and the Central Coast.
Good therapy should be structured, respectful, and supportive in a way that helps you move forward. You'll leave sessions with something practical to try, and we'll work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Some people find it easier to open up with a male psychologist, especially about identity, burnout, masking, or challenges navigating social expectations. If you prefer a male clinician, James provides a grounded, collaborative approach that respects your pace and goals.
Learn more about James's approach →What happens in your first few appointments
Seeing a psychologist for the first time can feel daunting — especially if you're unsure how sessions will be structured or whether they'll be adapted to your needs. The early sessions are simply about getting to know you and beginning at a pace that feels comfortable.
Understanding your situation
We begin by understanding your goals, strengths, and current challenges, in a way that feels comfortable and pressure-free.
Sessions can be adapted to your preferences wherever possible — including clear, direct language, predictable structure, flexible pacing, reduced pressure to speak, and telehealth if that feels easier.
Towards the end of this session — or early in the second — we usually introduce the first practical strategies so you have something useful to take away early on.
A personalised, neuroaffirming plan
Together, we identify strategies that fit your communication preferences, energy levels, and sensory needs. We decide which areas to focus on first — whether that's overwhelm, anxiety, masking, burnout, or identity.
Therapy focuses on real-world skills you can use immediately — ways to reduce overload, manage transitions, set boundaries, or increase self-understanding.
You set the pace. You choose what feels meaningful. Your identity and lived experience guide the process.
Autism support across the Central Coast and in Hornsby
MindSure Psychology is based in Gosford CBD (Suite 112, 159 Mann St — inside John's Place), making it easy to access from across the Central Coast.
Many clients travel from nearby suburbs, including:
People often search for autism support in their own suburb — for example, 'autism psychologist Erina', 'autism therapy Terrigal', or 'neuroaffirming psychologist Woy Woy'. Many clients choose Gosford because it's centrally located with flexible appointment times.
Gosford appointments: Wed, Fri 2–7:30pm · Sat 11am–5pm · Sun 9am–7pm
In-person sessions are also available at our Hornsby location, serving clients across the Upper North Shore including Wahroonga, Waitara, Asquith, Normanhurst, and Thornleigh.
Telehealth available anywhere in Australia
Secure video sessions can be a good option if travel, sensory load, or energy levels make in-person sessions difficult. Telehealth means you can stay connected with your psychologist even if your routine changes.
Transparent pricing
$141.05 per session
Out-of-pocket cost on weekdays with a Medicare rebate
Full session fee is $240 per 50-minute appointment. A Medicare rebate of $98.95 applies with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Weekend sessions incur a $20 surcharge.
Common questions
Questions people commonly ask before getting started with autism support at MindSure Psychology.
Do I need a formal autism diagnosis to attend therapy?⌃
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access therapy. Many people attend sessions after self-identifying as autistic, or while exploring whether autism fits their experiences. Therapy can help you make sense of your traits, strengths, and challenges, regardless of diagnostic status.
My GP referral is addressed to another psychologist — is that okay?⌃
Yes — that's completely fine. If you have a valid GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can still attend sessions at MindSure Psychology and claim Medicare rebates, even if the referral is addressed to a different psychologist or practice. This is very common.
Is this therapy neuroaffirming?⌃
Yes. Therapy is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based approach. Autism is understood as a difference, not a deficit. Sessions are never about fixing, masking, or changing who you are.
Will therapy try to teach me to mask or act more "neurotypical"?⌃
No. Therapy does not aim to teach masking or performance-based social skills. Support focuses on wellbeing, self-understanding, boundaries, and communication that feels authentic and sustainable for you.
Can sessions be adapted to my communication or sensory needs?⌃
Yes. Sessions can be adapted to your preferences wherever possible — including clear, direct language, predictable structure, flexible pacing, reduced pressure to speak, and telehealth if that feels easier.
Do you offer telehealth for autistic adults?⌃
Yes. Telehealth sessions are available across NSW and Australia and can be a good option if travel, sensory load, or energy levels make in-person sessions difficult.
How quickly can I get an appointment?⌃
Most clients are able to book an appointment within 2–7 days, often in the same week. You can check live availability and book directly online, or call (02) 4313 1656.
Are sessions confidential?⌃
Yes. Everything you share in therapy is confidential, with only rare legal or safety-related exceptions. Records are stored securely in line with Australian Privacy Principles.
Book your first session
You don't need a diagnosis, a referral, or certainty to get started. If you're looking for neuroaffirming support, we'll take it at your pace.