At Neurodiverse Specialists We Are Dedicated To Hope, Healing And Growth
Neurodiverse Specialists
Assessment, diagnostics, therapy and training
NDS provides comprehensive specialist ASD, FASD, ADHD, ID, SLD, Neurodiverse assessment and support for clients by bringing together psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, paediatricians, psychiatrists, and education specialists.
Our clients receive comprehensive assessment, treatment plans, and therapeutic intervention developed from a brain-based – neurodiverse – neurodevelopmental perspective, with input from our multidisciplinary team.
Our Approach
NDS Multidisciplinary Team adopts a neurodevelopmental approach to assessment and treatment. Our approach supports a holistic view of our clients. In order to address issues effectively, we believe we need a complete picture of a client’s development and functioning. The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and the Polyvagal Theory underpin all the work that we do. It is the emotional shift made possible by understanding differently. NDS’ collaborative approach ensures that each client’s unique strengths, challenges, and supports needs are thoroughly understood. This holistic and person-centered understanding informs tailored recommendations and interventions.
Navigating all the available information about neurodevelopmental conditions and diagnostic assessment can be overwhelming, with numerous websites offering quick ASD or ADHD quizzes, it’s easy to get lost in misinformation or oversimplified results. However, when it comes to understanding neurodevelopmental conditions, a reliable and accurate diagnosis is crucial. At NDS, we offer expert-led assessments designed to distinguish genuine clinical signs from common misconceptions and co-occurring conditions. Our team relies on professional training, evidence-based tools, and a compassionate approach to ensure every assessment is thorough, accurate, and tailored to the client’s needs.
NDS’ Multidisciplinary Specialist Team has been working in the neurodiverse space for the past nine years. Our multidisciplinary team is well-known for providing specialist assessment, training, therapeutic, and culturally appropriate support for clients of all ages and the systems that care for them. Our team is experienced in delivering gold-standard services to our vulnerable population in care, with a reputation working closely with government departments and social workers.
The exact assessment tools used, depend on the client’s age and their individual needs.
What We Do
NDS provides specialist assessment and support:
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual Disability (ID)
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
- Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)
- Trauma
- Mood Disorders/Mental Health Conditions
- Other Neurodiverse Conditions
- Integrated Listening System – Safe and Sound Protocol
Introduction to the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioural state regulation, and social engagement behaviours through filtered music.
As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to retune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration, and resilience.
The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider in person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
SSP Program Highlights
- A 5-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
- Designed to reduce sound sensitivity and improve auditory processing and behavioural state regulation.
- Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.
- Video: https://vimeo.com/unyte/ssp
- What is the SSP
Meet The Team
NDS Multidisciplinary Team brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience from across the globe. NDS multidisciplinary team members are qualified FASD diagnostician. Team members hold NMT Phase 1 level, ASD and ADHD certification and are Polyvagal Informed. We have completed intensive FASD training – Canada FASD Research Network(CanFASD), Asante Centre in Vancouver, University of Washington–FASD DPN in Seattle and Child Development Services in Australia.
Dr. Elda Botes
Clinical Director
Lindsay Brand
Psychologist
Amhiel Botes
iLs Practitioner
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
NDS – FASD Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team’s collective aim is to serve individuals exposed to alcohol in-utero, the families that care for them, and the system that supports them.
NDS follow the Australian Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder that was released on 13 May 2025.
Screening for prenatal alcohol exposure and a possible FASD diagnosis can help families, professionals and clients to access the services and supports needed to be successful.
NDS-FASD Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team aims to provide non-judgemental comprehensive FASD assessment, diagnosis, and support for children and families. An FASD Diagnostic assessment is completed over three sessions. A combination of interviews, a FASD Paediatric assessment, direct measures, and indirect measures are used when conducting an FASD Diagnostic assessment. The function across all 10 brain domains is assessed. Results are collated in a comprehensive report with a focus on individual strengths, areas of need, and capacity building.
FASD is 100 percent preventable because alcohol is entirely avoidable.
NDS-FASD Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team educates families, caregivers, professionals and others living, supporting and working with individuals with a FASD.