About Me

Hi, my name is

Penelope Johnston,

but please call me Penny!

A woman with shoulder-length hair, glasses, and a necklace smiling for a selfie in front of a plain door.

Hi, I’m Penny!

I’m deeply passionate about supporting neurodivergent people. I’m a Coffs Harbour–based psychologist, Medicare- and NDIS-registered, specialising in working with autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals, as well as their parents, educators, and employers who support them. This work isn’t just professional for me — it’s personal too!

Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked across government and private sectors, supporting people with mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and physical disabilities. I’ve worked with children, at-risk youth, university students, adults, and the elderly, supporting them in navigating life’s challenges. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the strengths, needs, and everyday realities of neurodivergent individuals and their families.

I’m also a parent to three amazing neurodivergent kids, so I know firsthand the ups and downs — from their early concerns and diagnoses, to advocating in schools, and supporting their mental health and daily development from childhood into young adulthood.

While my children were young, I noticed a real gap in specialised, practical support for neurodivergent families. Once they became more independent, I was able to pursue my own goals — furthering my education and establishing the practice I’ve always wanted.

I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate and Master’s in Autism Studies, along with an ADHD Clinical Provider Certificate, and have since focused on creating a practice that celebrates neurodiversity, affirms strengths, and provides practical, evidence-based strategies for individuals, families, educators, and employers. My goal is to offer the kind of meaningful support I once wished I had for myself and my own family.

When I’m not working, I love spending time in nature — it’s my space to relax, recharge, and reflect.

A small creek flowing through a grassy woodland area with tall trees and green foliage.
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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) 1998-2007 with QLD & NSW registration boards

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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)

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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 children and 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 the people who care for, teach, and work with them — with practical, strengths-based strategies that make life easier, build confidence, and help everyone thrive. I want to help neurodivergent people be themselves, follow their goals, and feel supported every step of the way.

My Goal

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