About Me
Hi, my name is
Penelope Johnston -
but please call me Penny!
Hi, I’m Penny!
I’m deeply passionate about supporting autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals—and their parents, educators, and employers who walk alongside them. This passion is both professional and personal.
For over 25 years, I’ve worked across government and private sectors, supporting people with mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and physical disabilities, providing trauma-informed care, supporting at-risk youth, and working with university students with disabilities. These roles have given me a deep understanding of the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals and their families.
I’m also a parent to three wonderful neurodivergent children, which means I’ve personally experienced the challenges of early concerns, navigating diagnoses, accessing services, advocating in schools, and supporting mental health and daily development from childhood through to early adulthood.
In 2022, I recognised a significant gap in specialised support for neurodivergent individuals and their families. I returned to university to complete a Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies, then a Master’s in Autism Studies, as well as an ADHD Clinical Provider Certificate.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to building a practice that celebrates neurodiversity, affirms strengths, and offers practical, evidence-based strategies for individuals, families, educators, and employers.
My goal is to provide the kind of meaningful and accessible support I once wished for my own family.
Outside of work, I like to recharge by spending time in nature—my favourite place to reflect and nurture my own well-being.
Registrations and Qualifications
Professional Registrations
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) since 2001
Medicare registered provider (1562871T)
NDIS registered provider
Registered Psychologist (General) 2007-current with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Registered Psychologist (General) 2001-2007 with QLD registration board
Recent Qualifications
2025 – ADHD Clinical Services Provider Certificate
2024 – Master of Autism Studies (Top 5% Academic Excellence Award)
2023 – Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies
Earlier Qualifications
Masters in Health and Community Psychology
Gradute Diploma in Applied Science (Psychology)
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
My Experience
Spent over 15 years in the government sector supporting individuals with mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and physical disabilities
Provided trauma-focused psychological care for private organisations
Supported at-risk young people with mental health conditions in school environments and in the community
Worked as a psychologist and disabilities counsellor in a university
“My goal is to support autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals—and their caregivers, educators, and employers—with practical, individualised, strengths-based strategies that promote understanding, build confidence, and empower neurodivergent people to live authentically, pursue their goals, and thrive.”