Blog Archives

About the author — Dr Nicholas Harris

Dr Nicholas Harris is a clinical psychologist at Choice Point Psychology and an academic at the University of Newcastle. He provides neurodiversity-affirming cognitive, ADHD and autism assessments, and evidence-based psychological therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Nicholas has lectured in areas such as social psychology, clinical psychology, personality, research methods, statistics, psychological assessment, organisational psychology and has been an invited speaker at several local, national and international conferences. Nicholas focuses on translating research into practical strategies and works closely with families, schools and GPs to support meaningful change in everyday life. Learn more on our Meet our Team page.

“Swipe Right on Balance”: The Good, the Bad, and the Scroll of Social Media

10/3/2025

When Phones Feel Like Home

For many young people — especially neurodivergent kids — phones and social media aren’t just devices. They’re lifelines.

A space for connection: Online groups can offer safe spaces where kids meet others with similar interests or identities.
A world of their own: Games, apps, and communities can be a place to decompress and escape sensory overload.
A way to practise skills: Messaging or voice chats can help kids experiment with social interaction at their own pace.

Research shows that, used well, phones can support self-expression, build social networks, and even improve mental health outcomes for isolated or marginalised young people.