Vanessa Tan Psychology
Neuroaffirming Psychology Services
AUTISM and AuDHD ASSESSMENTS
Helping You With...
Vanessa provides neuroaffirming (neurodiversity-affirming) assessments and therapy support for Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD adults (18+). This involves understanding divergent neurotypes as different expressions of normal human functioning rather than developmental deficits or disorders, whilst recognising that neurodivergent people experience disability due to the incompatibility between their neurology and the demands of neurotypical (typically-developing) society.
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Vanessa is very experienced at identifying Autistic and AuDHD neurotypes in individuals with existing diagnoses of (but not limited to) PTSD, CPTSD, bipolar I & II, and personality disorders.
Vanessa Tan Psychology is LGBTQIA+ inclusive, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, social justice-informed, and sex worker-safe.
All assessment and therapy appointments are held via Zoom.​
When deciding whether to proceed with a formal assessment, especially if you're doing so purely for self-exploration purposes, it's important to consider the benefits and any potential implications in the event that you do meet the diagnostic criteria. You can find some information about things to consider in the FAQs page.
​AUTISM ASSESSMENT
What to expect for an Autism assessment (short and sweet version):
​​∞ Intake interview (1h)
∞ Diagnostic interview (2h)
∞ Questionnaires for you and your chosen trusted person(s) who knows you well as an adult and as a child to complete*
∞ Feedback session (1h)
∞ Summary report to facilitate self-identification provided
​​​Note: Not having access to school reports or trusted persons to provide information does not preclude you from receiving a valid assessment. Your assessment can be tailored to your unique circumstances, prioritising your right to privacy.​
​Autism Assessment Fee: $1,400*
​*If we need a bit more time to explore things thoroughly, especially if other factors are in the mix, an additional/extended appointment might be needed and will be discussed with you. Any added cost is generally under $250.
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​Like detail? You can download the nitty-gritty version of what to expect below.​
AuDHD ASSESSMENT
What to expect for an AuDHD (Autism + ADHD) assessment (short and sweet version):
​​∞ Intake interview (1h)
∞ Autism clinical interview (2h)
∞ ADHD clinical interview (1h)
∞ Questionnaires for you and your chosen trusted person(s) who knows you well as an adult and as a child to complete*
∞ Feedback session (1h)
∞ Summary report to facilitate self-identification provided
*Note: Not having access to school reports or a trusted person to provide information does not preclude you from receiving a valid assessment. Your assessment can be tailored to your unique circumstances, prioritising your right to privacy.​
​AuDHD Assessment Fee: $1,700*
​*If we need a bit more time to explore things thoroughly, especially if other factors are in the mix, an additional/extended appointment might be needed and will be discussed with you. Any added cost generally under $250.
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​Like detail? You can download the nitty-gritty version of what to expect below.​
Vanessa is no longer offering ADHD-only assessments.
Clients seeking ADHD assessment are advised to obtain this through a psychiatrist, as psychiatrists will need to conduct their own evaluation and can prescribe medication if needed. It's important to select a psychiatrist who is very experienced in recognising the various presentations of ADHD in adults.
For clients seeking a combined Autism and ADHD ('AuDHD') assessment:
For the same reasons above, you may wish to consider obtaining the ADHD component of your assessment through a psychiatrist, especially if you'd like to explore medication. However, if you'd still like Vanessa to complete a full AuDHD assessment, we'd love to hear from you!
NEUROAFFIRMING THERAPY SUPPORT
THERAPY SUPPORT
Vanessa is, unfortunately, not accepting new clients for ongoing therapy support and her waitlist is currently closed. You're welcome to enquire again in the near future or email Reception if you'd like suggestions for other neuroaffirming psychologists with soon-ish availability.
Neurodivergent people may need mental health support to cope with the stressors of living in a neurotypical world and find ways to thrive on their own terms.
Neurodivergent people do not need fixing.
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Vanessa works with Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD clients across the lifespan who would like support in various areas, including:​
∞ Anxiety
∞ Depression
∞ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
∞ Autistic burnout
∞ Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
∞ Self-concept
∞ Emotional regulation
∞ Stress management
∞ Understanding their neurodivergent brain via an affirming lens
∞ Self-advocacy
∞ Executive functioning (e.g., organisation, motivation, self-regulation) differences
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Vanessa also supports parents in enhancing their understanding of their neurodivergent children's unique ways of relating, recognising that their "challenging behaviours" are really stress responses, and responding in a supportive, collaborative way.
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Therapeutic Approaches: Vanessa is experienced in the following evidence-based psychological therapies and tailors them into her practice according to the needs of the individual she is supporting:
∞ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
∞ Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
∞ Schema Therapy
∞ Mindfulness
∞ Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
∞ Motivational Interviewing (MI)​​