Unique U Psychology is a private practice run by Danuta Bulhak-Paterson (MPsych (Child & Family), PG Dip (Psych), BSc, MAPS, MCCP). Danuta reaches out to people with Autism Spectrum Conditions of all ages, boys and girls, men and women. Although her passion is working with both genders, Unique U Psychology provides a special service—the recognition of the unique and specific attributes of Autism Spectrum Conditions in girls and women, and support for them.

Why does Unique U Psychology single out girls and women? Girls and women with Asperger’s Syndrome (sometimes referred to as Asperger’s Disorder) have a unique mix of gifts and challenges that are often missed in the diagnostic process because they manifest differently from the by-now well recognised characteristics of Autism Spectrum Conditions in the males. Girls and women with Autism Spectrum Conditions may be left undiagnosed in their school years and consequently may miss out on the support and guidance necessary to achieve their full potential. Women who receive a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome later in their lives frequently report a history of misdiagnosis, unnecessary medical treatments, consequent confusion and stigmatisation.

At Unique U Psychology Danuta provides diagnostic assessment and therapy. The aim of therapy is to embrace the uniqueness of individual people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and to build their life skills, such as better management of emotions, self-awareness, and improved ability to form and maintain relationships.

Unique U Psychology provides the following services:

• Diagnostic assessment of Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS);
• Specialist diagnostic assessment of girls and women who have Asperger’s Syndrome, which in females presents differently from males;
• Therapy with children and adults who have Asperger’s Syndrome, autism and PDD-NOS;
• Specialist therapy work with girls and women who have Asperger’s Syndrome;
• Intellectual ability (IQ) assessment;
• Learning disability assessment;
• Problem-solving appointments for families of persons with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, or PDD-NOS;
• Observation of children in kindergartens and schools, and meeting with teacher/s to provide strategies;
• Workshops, training sessions and seminars for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Conditions; and
• Workshops, training sessions and seminars for professional practitioners.