ADHD & Autism Support
Men, Autism & ADHD: Finding Support and Strength
While much of the existing literature has focused on the experiences of boys diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, the perspectives, strengths, and needs of men who are neurodivergent are often overlooked. Autism and ADHD are not conditions to be "fixed," but rather lifelong expressions of neurodiversity — ways of being that contribute valuable diversity to how we think, feel, and experience the world. At our practice, we aim to recognise and support the lived experiences of neurodivergent men in affirming, respectful, and person-centred ways.
For many men, navigating neurodivergence can be uniquely complex — especially in the context of societal expectations and traditional ideas of masculinity.
If you’ve ever felt out of step with those around you, found it difficult to stay organised, or noticed that your communication style differs from others, you’re not alone. These experiences can be valid expressions of a neurodivergent mind, and with the right support and understanding, they can be embraced and navigated in ways that work for you.
Recognising the Signs of ADHD and Autism
ADHD and autism are experienced in many different ways — there’s no one-size-fits-all. While there are common traits that may point to one or both neurotypes, these can show up differently for everyone.
The overlap between ADHD and autism isn’t always obvious, and many people spend years adapting to a world that wasn’t built with their needs in mind. For some, pursuing a formal assessment can offer clarity, language for their experiences, and access to supports that genuinely align with who they are.
Strong interest in specific topics or hobbies
Difficulty with small talk or unspoken social rules
Feeling overwhelmed in noisy or unpredictable environments
A preference for routines and structure
Easily distracted or forgetful, especially with tasks that feel uninteresting
Able to hyperfocus on things that spark curiosity
Struggles with organisation, time management, or prioritising tasks
Frequent restlessness or difficulty sitting still
Autism & ADHD Assessments in Melbourne
For men who suspect they may be neurodivergent, an assessment can offer meaningful insights into how their brains work and how they engage with the world.
Whether you're seeking an ADHD or autism assessment, our Melbourne-based psychologists use respectful, research-informed approaches to support a process that is accurate, collaborative, and affirming.
We aim to make the experience straightforward, supportive, and as stress-free as possible.
Initial Consultation
A psychologist discusses your history, challenges, and experiences.
Screening & Questionnaires
You’ll complete an ADHD and autism assessment with standardised tests.
In-Depth Discussion
Additional sessions explore patterns in your thinking, emotions, and behaviour.
Results & Feedback
Your psychologist explains the findings and outlines steps for ongoing support.
Counselling for ADHD and Autism in Adults
A diagnosis is just one part of the journey. Many neurodivergent individuals find value in working with a psychologist who understands their unique experiences — not to "fix" them, but to help them navigate a world that often isn't designed with neurodiversity in mind.
How Therapy Can Support Neurodivergent Men
- Exploring strategies to work with, not against, your focus, motivation, and organisation style
- Reducing stress related to social expectations, masking, or sensory sensitivities
- Strengthening emotional regulation and making sense of intense feelings
- Building confidence, self-understanding, and self-acceptance
- Developing practical approaches to navigate work, relationships, and everyday life
At Blokes Psychology, our Melbourne-based team provides affirming, neurodiversity-informed support for autistic and ADHD men, helping you feel empowered, understood, and more in tune with yourself.
The Statistics and The Struggle of Neurodivergent Men
Research shows that neurodivergent men, including those with Autism and ADHD, may be more likely to experience mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
These experiences often stem not from being neurodivergent, but from navigating a world that may not fully understand or accommodate different ways of thinking and being. This highlights the importance of supportive, affirming mental health care that recognises and embraces neurodiversity.
At Blokes Psychology, we provide autism and ADHD assessments in Melbourne, as well as tailored counselling & support to help neurodivergent men better understand themselves and develop strategies to navigate life with confidence and self-compassion.
ADHD & Autism Treatment & Practical Support
ADHD and autism aren’t things that need to be “fixed” — they’re simply different ways of experiencing and interacting with the world. Learning to understand and work with your brain’s natural patterns can boost confidence, reduce frustration, and make everyday life feel more aligned with who you are.
Support looks different for everyone. Many neurodivergent men find that therapy, structure, and practical strategies can help life feel more manageable and fulfilling. Our team uses a range of evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches to support things like focus, emotional regulation, relationships and daily routines in a sustainable, respectful way.
Whether you're navigating work, relationships, or personal growth, we tailor our support to meet your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD and Autism Support for Men
How do I know if I have ADHD or autism as an adult?
Many adults go through life without realising they’re neurodivergent, often because they’ve developed ways to cope, blend in, or have been misdiagnosed with conditions like anxiety or depression. If you've ever felt different from those around you, found focus challenging, or experienced social situations as draining or confusing, exploring an ADHD or autism assessment could offer meaningful insight and self-understanding.
Some common experiences associated with ADHD in adults include:
- Difficulty with organisation: Managing tasks, remembering deadlines, or keeping track of items might feel overwhelming or inconsistent.
- Variable attention: You may find it hard to focus on things that don’t interest you, yet become deeply immersed in something that does (often referred to as hyperfocus).
- Restlessness or impulsivity: You might feel the need to keep moving, struggle with stillness, or act quickly without always pausing to consider the outcome.
- Emotional intensity: Emotions may feel particularly strong or hard to regulate, sometimes leading to frustration or difficulty coping with stress.
Some common experiences associated with autism in adults include:
- Feeling socially different: Conversations, especially small talk, might feel tiring, confusing, or less intuitive.
- Preference for structure and routine: Changes to plans or unexpected events can feel disruptive or stressful.
- Sensory differences: You may be particularly sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or other sensory input.
- Deep interests: You might have specific topics or areas of interest that bring you joy and focus, sometimes to the exclusion of other things.
If some of these traits resonate with you, an autism or ADHD assessment could provide clarity and language for your experiences.
At Blokes Psychology in Melbourne, our team offers neurodivergent-affirming assessments and support to help you better understand how your brain works and how to navigate the world in ways that work for you.
What happens during an ADHD or autism assessment?
An assessment for ADHD or autism isn’t something to worry about, it’s a supportive process designed to better understand your unique way of thinking, feeling, and navigating the world.
At Blokes Psychology, our assessments are thorough, evidence-based, and specifically tailored for adults who may have gone undiagnosed earlier in life.
Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with a psychologist for a relaxed conversation about your life experiences, strengths, and any areas where you may be seeking support or clarity.
- Standardised Tools: You may complete ADHD and autism-related questionnaires and screening tools to help build a fuller picture.
- Clinical Interviews: Your psychologist will explore your patterns of attention, communication, emotional responses, and daily life experiences, always with curiosity and respect.
- Feedback Session: At the end of the process, you’ll receive a comprehensive report and a personalised support plan to help guide the next steps.
The goal of an ADHD or autism assessment isn’t just about identifying a diagnosis — it’s about offering insight, self-understanding, and practical strategies that can help you navigate life in a way that feels more aligned with who you are.
What kind of counselling is available for ADHD and autism?
If you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect you may be ADHD or autistic, therapy can offer meaningful support, not to change who you are, but to help you navigate life in ways that feel more authentic and sustainable.
At Blokes Psychology, we provide neurodivergent-affirming counselling for boys & men in Melbourne, offering tailored strategies that honour your unique experiences and strengths.
Therapy can support you with:
- Working with your attention and motivation: Discover strategies that align with how your brain naturally functions, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Emotional regulation: Build tools to understand and manage strong emotions, stress, or sensory sensitivities.
- Communication and connection: Explore ways to navigate social interactions, relationships, and work dynamics in a way that feels comfortable and true to you.
- Building self-understanding and self-worth: Many neurodivergent men carry internalised messages of being "too much" or "not enough", therapy can help reframe these experiences through a lens of acceptance and strength.
Our goal isn’t to "fix" you, it’s to support you in understanding yourself better, building on your strengths, and creating a life that works for you.
Can ADHD or autism be treated without medication?
Yes, many adults live well with ADHD and autism without using medication, instead relying on therapy, lifestyle changes, and strengths-based strategies. While some people find medication helpful (particularly for ADHD), others prefer to explore non-medicated approaches that align with their values and needs.
For ADHD, non-medication strategies might include:
- Establishing supportive routines: Predictable structures can reduce overwhelm and support executive functioning.
- Using tools and technology: Timers, apps, and checklists can help externalise tasks and improve organisation.
- Engaging in regular movement: Physical activity can support mood, focus, and overall well-being.
- Practising mindfulness or grounding techniques: These can help with emotional regulation and impulse control in a way that feels manageable.
For autism, affirming approaches may include:
- Sensory-aware environments: Adjusting lighting, noise levels, or clothing textures to reduce sensory overload.
- Relationship support and communication strategies: Exploring ways to connect and interact that honour your natural style and energy levels.
- Self-advocacy and identity exploration: Gaining confidence in understanding your needs and expressing them effectively in different settings.
If you're looking for ADHD or autism support in Melbourne, our team at Blokes Psychology can work with you to create a personalised, respectful plan that fits your lifestyle and celebrates your neurodivergent identity.
When Should You Seek Support?
If you're unsure whether counselling or an assessment is right for you, consider the following questions:
- Do I experience focus, organisation, or motivation differently from those around me?
- Do social situations sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or draining?
- Have I learned to "mask" certain behaviours or traits to fit in, even when it doesn’t feel authentic?
- Do I feel emotions deeply or find it difficult to regulate how I respond to them?
- Have I faced challenges in relationships, work, or daily life that feel connected to these experiences?
You don’t have to navigate this on your own. Gaining insight into how your mind works can help you honour your strengths, reduce internal pressure, and develop strategies that truly align with who you are.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Recognising that autism and ADHD are natural variations of human neurodiversity is central to building a more accepting and supportive world. Historically, societal expectations, especially around masculinity, have pressured men to ‘tough it out’ or hide the parts of themselves that don’t fit the mould. As a result, many neurodivergent men learn to mask their traits or rely on coping strategies that may not serve them in the long term.
Therapy can provide a supportive space to explore and navigate:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress and burnout
- Addiction or compulsive behaviours
- Emotional regulation
- Organisation and executive functioning
- Relationships and communication
- Building self-esteem and embracing neurodivergent identity
At Blokes Psychology, we take a neurodivergent-affirming approach, supporting men to understand themselves more deeply, reduce internalised stigma, and move through life with more self-compassion and clarity.