Neurological and Developmental

Autism and Children

Autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s).

Children with Autism may appear to have unusual behaviours, emotions and ways of dealing with the world around them but it is important to remember that these are due to neurological differences in the way their brains work, not through choice.

Some children with Autism may have a normal IQ and they exhibit an exceptional skill or talent in a particular area.

Some children have a high degree of functionality, in other words, they seem to be able to function pretty well in society but they are often viewed as eccentric or different from others.

Their language development can seem normal and sometimes they have a very rich vocabulary. However, they can be extremely literal and struggle with understanding nuances in a social context.

Our Staff

Jutta Dempsey

Bachelor of Education (Uni)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology

Jutta is a Registered Psychologist and Registered Teacher with over 40 years experience. As a teacher and guidance counsellor and child therapist, Jutta established Directions, the first child directed practise in Townsville, over 30 years ago because she became acutely aware of the lack of services available in for children with learning and behavioural difficulties.

Chelsea Corbett

Bachelor of Psychology

Chelsea Corbett is a is a Registered Psychologist, with over 9 years of experience working with challenging young people. From a cattle family, she brings a unique understanding and genuine authenticity to her therapy with children and adolescents, together with a determination to improve their wellbeing within the home, school and community.

Anna Quenault

Bachelor of Science
Graduate Diploma of Psychology

Anna Quenault is a Registered Psychologist with over 5 years experience with Directions having previous experience in various counselling and mentoring roles. Anna is passionate about psychoeducational education for children and adolescents, and parental management.

Shane Davison

is a Psychology Graduate from rural Queensland who has worked in Education and Disability Support roles both in Australia and overseas. He is excited to complete his provisional internship from the experienced staff at Directions. He has a passion for understanding early childhood development and interventions for Oppositional Defiance Disorder and anger management.

Kelly Bell

is a Psychology (Honours) Graduate from James Cook University who has experience working with children, adolescents and adults. She is a thoughtful and empathetic psychologist determined to completed her provisional internship at Directions. Kelly has a passion for helping children and their families achieve their best by providing evidence based strategies to navigate a wide range of neurodevelopmental and mood disorders including Autism, Anxiety, Depression, Specific Learning Disorder & ADHD.

Leena Coutts

Office Manager

Leena Coutts has extensive experience in Reception and Administration and considers her role to make the children, adolescents and families to feel welcome and their wellbeing a priority whilst accessing our Psychological Practice. She is an experienced mother and grandmother in her private life and this enables her to provide a practical and considered approach to organising the daily functioning at Directions.