Spotlight On: Gold Coast Clinical Psychologist Amelia Read
- Amelia Read
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Updated: May 5
Gold Coast Clinical Psychologist - Amelia Read (she / her)
In Her Own Words:
What are some of the challenges you’re especially interested in supporting people through as a Gold Coast Clinical Psychologist?
Late diagnosis and identity formation, including the grief that can come with re-understanding oneself through a neurodivergent lens.
I’m particularly passionate about psychoeducation and reframing neurodivergent differences, helping individuals move from self-criticism to self-understanding and self-compassion.
I also focus on practical lifestyle adaptations and supports that align with how their brain and nervous system actually function.
What made you choose psychology in the first place?
I’ve always been deeply curious about human behaviour and the “why” behind what people do. I initially went to university to become a teacher, but chose a neuropsychology elective simply because it fit my timetable—and it completely changed my direction.
I became fascinated by the brain, behaviour, and the complexity of human experience, and from there, psychology felt like the natural path.
What types of people do you feel most drawn to working with — and what lights you up about that work?
I feel most drawn to working with late-diagnosed neurodivergent women.
Being part of someone’s journey toward understanding themselves is incredibly meaningful—there’s often a profound shift from confusion or self-doubt to clarity and self-compassion.
It’s powerful to witness how quickly people’s lives can change once they have the right framework to understand themselves.
What’s something you wish more people knew about the work you do?
That for many neurodivergent individuals, accurate diagnosis and assessment can be profoundly therapeutic in itself.
Being correctly understood—and having language to make sense of lifelong experiences—often creates immediate relief, self-compassion, and a clearer pathway forward. It’s not just labelling; it’s meaning-making.
Who tends to feel most comfortable working with you?
Late-diagnosed neurodivergent women tend to feel particularly comfortable working with me.
Many are seeking a Gold Coast clinical psychologist offering clarity, validation, and a space where their experiences are understood without judgment, and that’s something I prioritise in my work.
What personal strengths do you bring into your work?
I bring a very human, down-to-earth approach to therapy. I prioritise creating a space that feels safe, non-judgemental, and free from stigma, where people can be themselves.
I also like to think I’m funny :) I use humour (where appropriate) to build connection and reduce intensity, while still maintaining clinical integrity.
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I’m the youngest of five and grew up in a single-parent household navigating significant adversity, which has deeply shaped both my perspective and my work—I’ve genuinely “walked the walk.”
On a completely different note, I was also a professional dancer in my 20s, travelling around the country while studying at university.
What is your lived experience of neurodiversity?
I have ADHD, ASD, and PMDD, and I’m comfortable sharing aspects of my lived experience where it is clinically appropriate and beneficial for clients.
Do you have a favourite quote you live by?
“The greatest gift in life is to truly know oneself.”
LINKS
Blog Articles by Amelia:
Diverse Interactive - Virtual Reality learning for children with ASD
Digital Webinar Recordings with Amelia:
Digital Resources by Amelia:
Upcoming Psycho-educational Group Programs with Amelia:
More info on Amelia - her awards and achievements
As the Founder, Director, and Principal Psychologist at The Neurodiversity Network & Diverse VR Amelia brings over a decade of expertise in the mental health sector, with a strong focus on neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, specific learning disorders, and related challenges.
With a Master's Degree in Gold Coast Clinical Psychology, she has dedicated her career to providing tailored support to children, adults, and families navigating the complexities of neurodiversity.
Amelia’s approach is both evidence-based and deeply informed by her own lived experience. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism herself, she understands firsthand the unique perspectives and challenges of neurodivergence.
This personal insight has fueled her mission to champion and empower the neurodiverse community through compassionate care and advocacy.
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