Childhood Trauma, Dissociation, and Neurodivergence: New Evidence from Clinical Samples

Dr Shalini Watson, PhD

Dr Shalini Watson is commencing a Master of Clinical Psychology program and holds a PhD in Educational and Instructional Technology from Murdoch University and brings over 12 years of experience supporting vulnerable and neurodivergent students in higher education at Australian universities. Her academic and advisory roles involved mentoring students with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety, and developing inclusive, trauma-informed learning environments. Her background in instructional design and educational psychology has shaped her interest in the cognitive and emotional mechanisms that link attention, trauma, and adaptation.

She has been awarded First Class Honours in Psychology at Southern Cross University under the supervision of Dr Mary-Anne Kate. Her thesis, “Triangulating Childhood Trauma, Dissociation, and ADHD in a Clinical Sample: Patterns, Pathways, and Clinical Overlaps,” analyses data from a large Australian clinical sample (N=1,409) to clarify diagnostic boundaries and improve dissociation screening for individuals presenting with ADHD symptoms. Her research sits at the intersection of trauma, neurodevelopment, and dissociative processes, with a focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical care for underrepresented populations. She is a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and is committed to advancing trauma-informed, evidence-based practice in both clinical and educational contexts.

Mika Colbert is commencing a master’s program in psychology. She is a Therapy Assistant working with neurodivergent children and adolescents in a strongly neuro-affirming, trauma-aware practice.  In her clinical role, Mika spends most of her time “on the ground” with children, families, and groups, supporting social communication, emotional regulation, and a sense of safety and agency. She has been involved in delivering LEGO®-based groups, the Secret Agent Society program, and CBT-informed anxiety groups, and regularly contributes observations to multidisciplinary discussions and parent feedback sessions.

Mika has been awarded First Class Honours in Psychological Science at Southern Cross University, examining how trauma shapes gender differences in the presentation of autism. Mika’s work sits at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and gender, and she is particularly interested in how clinical settings can better recognise masked or misunderstood autistic experiences in young people with complex histories. Across both research and practice, Mika brings a collaborative, curious, and child-centred lens, with a focus on making neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed ideas usable in everyday clinical work.

is commencing a master’s program in psychology. She is a Therapy Assistant working with neurodivergent children and adolescents in a strongly neuro-affirming, trauma-aware practice.  In her clinical role, Mika spends most of her time “on the ground” with children, families, and groups, supporting social communication, emotional regulation, and a sense of safety and agency. She has been involved in delivering LEGO®-based groups, the Secret Agent Society program, and CBT-informed anxiety groups, and regularly contributes observations to multidisciplinary discussions and parent feedback sessions.

Mika has been awarded First Class Honours in Psychological Science at Southern Cross University, examining how trauma shapes gender differences in the presentation of autism. Mika’s work sits at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and gender, and she is particularly interested in how clinical settings can better recognise masked or misunderstood autistic experiences in young people with complex histories. Across both research and practice, Mika brings a collaborative, curious, and child-centred lens, with a focus on making neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed ideas usable in everyday clinical work.

Tenarra Campey has an extensive background in community mental health and disability services. She currently works as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, where she conducts functional behaviour assessments and develops trauma-informed, person-centred support plans for clients with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Her previous leadership roles involved coordinating recovery and mental health programs, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and fostering resilience in communities affected by crisis. Tenarra also serves on the Australian Psychological Society’s Student Committee, reflecting her commitment to advancing inclusive, ethical, and evidence-informed practice within psychology.

Tenarra has completed an Honours degree in Psychological Science at Southern Cross University, where her research examines dissociation in high and low camouflaging clients with elevated autistic traits. Her work contributes to a growing understanding of how neurodiversity and dissociative processes intersect, particularly in individuals who mask or modify autistic traits in social contexts. Tenarra’s research is guided by an interest in the nuanced ways that trauma, identity, and adaptation shape psychological functioning.