Neuroact stress management course
NEUROACT® was developed for autistic and neurodivergent individuals who experience stress and anxiety. It addresses common difficulties such as sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, bodily unawareness, unfamiliar situations, and social overwhelm.
Grounded in ACT and neuropsychology, the program blends psychoeducation with practical stress management therapy tools to reduce avoidance behaviours and increase meaningful participation.
Sessions are adapted for neurodiverse learners using visual supports, simple writing exercises, mindfulness strategies, and experiential learning. Each session combines theory with hands-on practice, helping participants build skills that transfer into everyday life at school, work, and in relationships.
Skills Covered
Participants will learn how to
Emotional Awareness
- Identify stressful situations and avoidance behaviours
- Develop focus, attention, and perspective-taking skills
Mindfulness Skills
- Manage emotions, sensory challenges, and body responses
- Strengthen resilience, self-care, and long-term planning
- Build psychological flexibility—the ability to manage thoughts and feelings while taking positive action
Values and Direction
- Set meaningful goals aligned with personal values
- Improve social participation and communication
Participation Requirements
This program is best suited for:
- Adolescents, young adults, and adults (teens–35+)
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or related neurodivergent profiles
- Participants motivated to attend regularly and practice skills between sessions
- Those experiencing daily stress from sensory overload, social demands, or emotional dysregulation
Why It Matters
For many autistic and neurodivergent individuals, unmanaged stress limits independence, relationships, and quality of life. Without effective coping strategies, avoidance behaviours often worsen, increasing isolation and anxiety.
NEUROACT® provides a structured, scientifically tested approach to stress management therapy in Sydney. By focusing on resilience, values, and practical coping tools, participants can move beyond avoidance and engage more meaningfully in education, work, relationships, and community life.
Proven Results
NEUROACT® has been evaluated in multiple research trials at the Karolinska Institute:
- Adolescent school-based trial: Reduced stress, anger, depression, hyperactivity, and inattention; improved prosocial behaviours (Pahnke et al., 2014).
- Adult outpatient pilot: Reduced stress and depression; improved quality of life, flexibility, and social ability (Pahnke et al., 2019).
- Adult randomised controlled trial: Significant improvements in stress reduction, quality of life, avoidance behaviours, sleep quality, and social motivation (Pahnke et al., 2022).
These findings confirm NEUROACT® as a valuable, evidence-based therapy for autism, ADHD, and stress management in Sydney.
Participation Requirements
This program is best suited for:
- Adolescents, young adults, and adults (teens–35+)
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or related neurodivergent profiles
- Participants motivated to attend regularly and practice skills between sessions
- Those experiencing daily stress from sensory overload, social demands, or emotional dysregulation
Why It Matters
For many autistic and neurodivergent individuals, unmanaged stress limits independence, relationships, and quality of life. Without effective coping strategies, avoidance behaviours often worsen, increasing isolation and anxiety.
NEUROACT® provides a structured, scientifically tested approach to stress management therapy in Sydney. By focusing on resilience, values, and practical coping tools, participants can move beyond avoidance and engage more meaningfully in education, work, relationships, and community life.
Proven Results
NEUROACT® has been evaluated in multiple research trials at the Karolinska Institute:
- Adolescent school-based trial: Reduced stress, anger, depression, hyperactivity, and inattention; improved prosocial behaviours (Pahnke et al., 2014).
- Adult outpatient pilot: Reduced stress and depression; improved quality of life, flexibility, and social ability (Pahnke et al., 2019).
- Adult randomised controlled trial: Significant improvements in stress reduction, quality of life, avoidance behaviours, sleep quality, and social motivation (Pahnke et al., 2022).
These findings confirm NEUROACT® as a valuable, evidence-based therapy for autism, ADHD, and stress management in Sydney.
Skills Covered
Participants will learn how to
- Identify stressful situations and avoidance behaviours
- Develop focus, attention, and perspective-taking skills
- Set meaningful goals aligned with personal values
- Manage emotions, sensory challenges, and body responses
- Improve social participation and communication
- Strengthen resilience, self-care, and long-term planning
- Build psychological flexibility—the ability to manage thoughts and feelings while taking positive action
Program Structure
Duration
10 weeks
Format
Weekly 90 minute Sessions
Activities
Structured activities that combining discussion, role-plays, mindfulness and experiential exercises.
Parent/Carer Involvement
Client based learning
How Can I Apply to Participate?
We’d love to welcome you into the NEUROACT® program at our Mascot psychology clinic.
Book an initial consultation with our psychologists to confirm whether NEUROACT® is the right fit for you.
NEUROACT® Stress Management Program.
Understanding and Responding to Stress in a Neurodivergent World
NEUROACT® is an evidence-informed stress management program designed for neurodivergent individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and neuropsychology, this structured, manual-based program supports participants to develop psychological flexibility, reduce avoidance, and build practical strategies for navigating everyday life.
Specifically developed for autistic and neurodivergent individuals, NEUROACT® addresses common experiences such as sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, social overwhelm, and difficulty managing change. Through structured sessions, experiential exercises, and guided practice, participants are supported to build awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical responses, while developing strategies that can be applied across school, work, relationships, and daily life.
Is This the Right Fit?
TThis program may be a good fit if you:
- Experience ongoing stress, anxiety, or overwhelm
- Finds it difficult to manage sensory or environmental demands
- Avoids situations due to stress or uncertainty
- Experiences emotional dysregulation or difficulty identifying internal states
- Want to build practical coping strategies and increase independence
- Are open to engaging in a structured, skills-based program
Skills Developed
PParticipants develop practical, real-world skills across key areas:
Emotional Awareness and Insight
- Identifying stress triggers and patterns of avoidance
- Recognising thoughts, emotions, and physical responses
- Building awareness and perspective-taking
Mindfulness and Regulation
- Managing emotional and sensory overwhelm
- Learning mindfulness and grounding strategies
- Building resilience and self-regulation skills
Psychological Flexibility
- Responding to thoughts and emotions more effectively
- Reducing avoidance behaviours
- Strengthening attention and focus
Values and Direction
- Identifying what is meaningful and important
- Setting realistic, values-based goals
- Increasing engagement in daily life and social participation
Finding the Right Support
We understand that navigating stress and overwhelm can feel challenging. Our team is here to guide you through the process, helping you understand your needs and determine whether NEUROACT® is the right fit, or recommend the most appropriate support option.
Ready to build skills for managing stress and navigating everyday life?
Contact our team to learn more or secure a place in the next NEUROACT® program.