Cool Kids (ASD Adapted) - Anxiety Group

Cool Kids – Autism is an evidence-based program developed by the Centre for Emotional Health at Macquarie University. It is designed to support autistic children and their parents to develop practical skills for managing anxiety and worried feelings in everyday situations.

The program has been adapted to suit the learning styles and needs of young autistic people, with a focus on improving functional skills in understanding, regulating, and responding to anxiety. Parents and carers participate alongside their child to build strategies that support skill development and generalisation at home and school.

Delivered in a small, structured group, the program uses a neuro-affirming, supportive approach facilitated by registered psychologists at Empowr Health Collective.

Intake starts 16 February 2026!

Group Sessions are run on Monday's 5-6.30pm

Block 1 - 6 sessions

• 23 Feb
• 2 Mar
• 9 Mar
• 16 Mar
• 23 Mar
• 30 Mar 

(Term Break)

Block 2 - 6 Sessions

• 20 Apr 
• 27 Apr
• 4 Apr
• 11 Apr
• 18 Apr
• 1 Jun

*Intake assessment required prior to group participation

Once payment is complete for the intake assessment, please complete the short intake form below so we can prepare for your intake appointment.

The Cool Kids – Autism program is suitable for:

• Autistic children in primary school (approximately Years 2–6)
• Children who are able to communicate using full sentences
• Children who have basic reading and writing skills
• Children experiencing anxiety or worried feelings that impact daily life at home or at school
• Children who are able to participate in a small group setting
• Families who are able to support participation and skill practice between sessions

Parents or carers are actively involved in the program to support learning and generalisation of skills beyond the group setting.

The Cool Kids – Autism program may not be suitable for all children.
If a child has support needs or behaviours that significantly impact their safety or the safety of others in a group setting, individual therapy may be more appropriate.

*An initial intake assessment is required to assist in determining the best therapeutic approach based on the needs of your child.

The 12-week group program supports children to:

• Recognise and understand worry and anxiety
• Learn calming and emotional regulation strategies
• Develop helpful, realistic thinking
• Gradually face fears and build independence
• Strengthen confidence through supported practice

Sessions are delivered in a small, structured group by experienced psychologists and supported by provisional psychologists using a neuro-affirming approach.

Participation in the Cool Kids (ASD Adapted) program involves the following components:

An individual intake session to assess suitability for the group, clarify goals, and support planning.
Paid separately prior to group participation.

Includes parent and child manuals and group-based resources required for the program.

Twelve weekly group sessions (60–90 minutes) delivered in person.
Sessions focus on anxiety management, emotional regulation, and confidence building in a supportive group setting.

Individual psychology sessions may be recommended for some children to support skill generalisation and are billed separately at $130 per 60-minute session with one of our provisional psychologists, supervised by an experienced psychologist.

Families may be eligible for Medicare rebates for the initial intake assessment and any individual psychology sessions provided with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and GP referral under the Better Access initiative. Medicare rebates may also be available for some group psychological services, although these rebates are typically lower than those for individual sessions and eligibility depends on the referral and Medicare item used. Medicare does not cover program materials or administrative fees. 

For NDIS participants, psychology supports may be funded where they align with a participant’s plan goals and funding categories. We recommend checking with your NDIS plan manager or support coordinator to confirm eligibility, and we are happy to provide invoices or supporting information where appropriate.

Don't Forget - Once payment is complete for the intake assessment, please complete the short intake form below so we can prepare for your intake appointment.

Once a child has been assessed as suitable for the group, payment of the program fee confirms their place in the Cool Kids – Autism group.

• Twelve structured group sessions (60–90 minutes each)
• Small group format facilitated by registered psychologists
• Evidence-based Cool Kids – Autism program content
• Anxiety management and emotional regulation skill development
• Parent involvement to support skill generalisation
• Ongoing clinical oversight throughout the program

An intake assessment is required for all children prior to joining the group to ensure suitability and support individualised planning.

• 90-minute intake assessment ($330)
• Pre-group questionnaires and screening tools
• Clinical review to determine group suitability and goals

• 60-minute pre-group consultation ($230)
• Pre-group questionnaires (if required)
• Review of current goals and group readiness

Intake assessments and questionnaires are billed separately from the group program fee.