UWA Bachelor of Psychology student Ruby Goodwin embraced the chance to step outside her comfort zone during her McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship with ADHD WA, where she contributed to enhancing support resources for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Ruby said she applied for the internship program because she wanted to challenge herself and gain meaningful professional experience that complemented her studies.
“I usually stick to what I’m familiar with, so trying something new felt like an important step,” she said.
During her internship, Ruby worked on redeveloping handouts for therapy manuals used in ADHD WA’s SPARK programs. These research informed programs equip children, adolescents and caregivers with strategies to thrive at home, school, and in the community. Ruby and her work helped make the program materials clearer, more accessible, and more effective for families engaging with them.
Ruby said the most rewarding part of the experience was gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of advocacy and thoughtful resource design.
“Seeing how much care goes into creating effective, accessible resources was incredibly impactful,” she said.
She found the biggest challenge was taking on tasks that were unfamiliar at first—but this ultimately became one of the most valuable aspects of her learning. Stepping into a new professional environment helped her grow both personally and professionally.
The internship broadened Ruby’s perspective on how community organisations operate and how collaborative efforts support neurodiverse communities. She said it also showed her how the concepts she has studied, particularly in lifespan development, translate into practical and meaningful real‑world applications.
Reflecting on the impact of her work, Ruby said she was proud to contribute to resources that directly benefit neurodiverse individuals and their families.
“By helping redevelop the SPARK manuals, I was able to support clearer and more effective resources that empower families and strengthen understanding within the community,” she said.
Ruby added that the internship has shaped her sense of professional direction, reaffirming her interest in child psychology and building her confidence as she moves toward a future career in the field.
She strongly encourages other UWA students to consider the program.
“Starting a placement can feel nerve‑racking, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. You get to contribute to meaningful community work and support groups that are often overlooked in academic settings.”