Dr Theresa Kidd

Director/ Principal Clinical Psychologist
BA Psych (Hons.) PhD (Clinical Psychology)
Fellow, APS College of Clinical Psychologists
APS Perth Branch Committee Member

I’m a clinical psychologist, research fellow, and the Clinical Director of The Kidd Clinic. My work focuses on Autism, ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and mental health across the lifespan. I’m passionate about creating systems that genuinely support neurodivergent and gender diverse people, not just in therapy, but across education, employment, and community life. My lived experience as a neurodivergent woman and member of a neurodivergent family deeply informs how I lead, teach, and practice. It brings both personal insight and professional perspective to my work. I’m committed to fostering psychological safety, authentic connection, and environments that support shared regulation and inclusion across clinical settings, classrooms, workplaces, and the community.

My career began in disability and employment services, and I’ve continued to advocate for accessible and affirming systems throughout. Becoming a parent led me to establishing parenting support groups that focused on attachment. My honours research explored the experiences of mothers’ home educating their Autistic children, and my PhD focused on adapting family-based CBT to better support Autistic teens with anxiety. I later co-developed the Curtin Autism Peer Mentoring Program, helping Autistic students navigate university life while ensuring their value and voice were central. During my postdoctoral fellowship at Macquarie University, I led a national trial aimed at reducing anxiety and bullying for primary-aged children. 

Now, through The Kidd Clinic, I lead a clinical team delivering affirming psychological services, clinical supervision, and innovative training. I regularly present both nationally and internationally on topics including Autism, ADHD, PDA, mental health, school and workplace inclusion, and transitions to adulthood. A growing area of my work involves supporting neurodivergent psychology students and psychologists, and consulting with organisations to make schools and workplaces more inclusive of neurodivergent people, moving beyond tokenism and toward real, system-level change.

I volunteer my time to assist with Autism and PDA-focused research projects and community initiatives, Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, Lives in the Balance, and other not for profit organisations. 

When I’m not working, I love to ‘fill my cup’ by immersing myself in nature - especially multi-day hikes, reading fiction, cuddling Atë the sausage dog, and spending time with my family.

Atë

Director of Cuteness
Sausage Dog