audhd & autism assessment with melbourne psychologist

Hi there

Vanessa Tan Melbourne psychologist neurodiversity affirming

Meet Vanessa

She/Her

Hello, I'm Vanessa.

I'm an AuDHD Educational and Developmental Psychologist.

My special interest is in supporting Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD individuals, particularly those with internalised or high-masking presentations (often seen in but not exclusive to people who identify as women). I'm especially passionate about supporting clients who are also psychologists or are in allied health and medical professions.

During in-person sessions, I'm accompanied by my little but hugely loved therapy dog, Mikro.

I have more than 10 years of experience supporting neurodivergent people of all ages in various roles. I've worked at clinics that specially focus on paediatrics, assessment, and Autistic girls and women. I'm regularly engaged in peer supervision with neuroaffirming colleagues from different disciplines, and I've co-facilitated peer supervision and support groups for neurodivergent mental health professionals in Australia.

My Passions

Supporting neurodivergent people must extend outside of the therapy context and involve dismantling barriers they face each day in the neurotypical world. As such, I'm passionate about advocating for the neurodivergent community towards greater acceptance and equity, and teaching others about the neuroaffirming perspective.

I'm also invested in learning about dog training methods where dogs' needs, welfare, and bodily autonomy are respected (just like with humans!)

Outside of work, you'll find me bushwalking with my four dogs, playing video games (Assassin's Creed and Skyrim are my favourites), memorising dinosaur facts that I'll never use, and trying to keep houseplants alive.

My Qualifications & Memberships

∞ Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental), Monash University

∞ Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)

∞ Full Member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA)

∞ Certified Advanced Multidog Handler (Lead the Way Institute)

Meet The Therapy Dogs

Mikro is a Shih Tzu who loves cuddles, pats, and treats (shamelessly).

He is affectionate, sensitive, and very gentle. He can also be sneaky with his affection so look out for that tongue!

His memory isn't great, his attention can be scattered, and he might be confused about what's expected of him, but he'll always try his best to do right by others.

When he's not working, he loves going on walks, chasing ducks, and sniffing every tree. He continues to love working with his clients during in-person sessions.

mikro therapy dog for Vanessa Tan Melbourne psychologist neurodiversity affirming

Mikro's

Qualifications

∞ Advanced Therapy Dog Certification (Lead the Way Institute)

∞ A very good boy

Megiddo (or Megi) is an Irish Wolfhound with a heart as big as herself.

The epitome of calmness, she's always had an old soul and is generally languorous but when something captures her attention, her focus is not easily broken.

Megiddo has been a wonderful therapy dog but, with age and illness, she began expressing a desire to remain home. Prioritising her welfare, I retired Megi in 2024. She now spends her days lounging on the couch in front of the TV, going for long, gentle walks, then going home to lie down again. Getting up is hard work when you're a big dog!

Retired

Megi's

Qualifications

∞ Advanced Therapy Dog Certification (Lead the Way Institute)

∞ A generally good girl

Vanessa Tan Psychology