Supporting neurodivergent children through connection, understanding, and developmentally informed care

We support children with:

• ADHD

• Autism

• Sensory Processing Differences

• PDA profiles

• Highly sensitive or deeply feeling nervous systems

• Emotional, behavioural, or school-based challenges

Our approach is grounded in neuroscience, play therapy, attachment theory, and family systems work — allowing us to support children in ways that feel safe, respectful, and effective.

Understanding Behaviour Through a Neurobiological Lens

At Axis, we don’t see behaviour as “good” or “bad.”
We see behaviour as communication.

When a child is melting down, withdrawing, refusing, or struggling at school or kinder, it is often a sign of:

• Nervous system overload

• Unmet sensory or emotional needs

• Difficulty with regulation or transitions

• Anxiety or demand-related stress

• Challenges with executive functioning

• A mismatch between expectations and capacity

Our work focuses on understanding why a behaviour is occurring — and responding in ways that reduce stress, build safety, and support long-term regulation.

A Neuro-Relational & Play-Based Approach

We use an integrative therapeutic model that brings together:

🧠 Neuro-Relational Play Therapy

Supporting emotional regulation, connection, and expression through attuned, child-led play. We work with the nervous system, not against it.

🤝 Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)

Creating a safe, non-directive environment where children can explore, process, and express their inner world at their own pace.

🔄 Neurobiological & Developmental Understanding

We consider sensory processing, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and brain development when supporting each child.

💛 Gottman-Informed Emotional Coaching

Helping families understand emotions, build connection, and support co-regulation — especially during moments of big feelings or conflict.

🌱 Dynamic, Individualised Adjustments

No two children are the same. We adapt sessions to suit each child’s sensory profile, regulation capacity, and developmental needs — including movement-based or outdoor sessions when appropriate.

Supporting Children at School & Kindergarten

Many families come to us when children are struggling in educational settings.

We support:

• Emotional regulation difficulties at school or kinder

• Behavioural challenges or shutdowns

• Anxiety, overwhelm, or school refusal

• Social challenges or peer difficulties

• Sensory overload in classroom environments

• Transitions, routines, and separation difficulties

Where appropriate, we collaborate with parents, educators, and support teams to create consistency between home, school, and therapy — helping children feel safer and more supported across environments.

A Whole-Family, Systems-Based Approach

Children don’t exist in isolation — and neither does their nervous system.

Our work considers the whole family system, including:

• Parent-child relationships

• Family stressors and transitions

• Parenting styles and support needs

• Environmental and sensory factors

• Emotional load carried by caregivers

We work alongside parents to:

• Build understanding and confidence

• Reduce stress and overwhelm

• Strengthen connection and communication

• Develop practical strategies that work at home

Because when families feel supported, children thrive.

What Makes Axis Different

✔ Neurodiversity-affirming
✔ Relationship-first approach
✔ Trauma-informed and regulation-based
✔ Play-centred and child-led
✔ Flexible, responsive, and strengths-focused
✔ Grounded in neuroscience and attachment theory
✔ Respectful of each child’s unique profile

We don’t force eye contact.
We don’t demand compliance.
We don’t use one-size-fits-all strategies.

Instead, we meet children where they are — and help them grow from there.

Our Commitment

At Axis Therapeutic Services, we believe every child deserves to feel:

• Safe in their body

• Understood in their experiences

• Supported in their growth

• Accepted for who they are

Our role is to walk alongside children and families with compassion, curiosity, and care — helping neurodivergent children thrive in ways that honour who they are.