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 profiles 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 neurodevelopmental needs and the demands of neurotypical (typically-developing) society.
Vanessa is very experienced at identifying Autistic and AuDHD profiles within complex presentations, which may include PTSD, CPTSD, anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, and chronic health conditions.
Vanessa Tan Psychology is LGBTQIA+ inclusive, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, social justice-informed, and sex worker-safe.
All assessment and therapy appointments are conducted via Zoom.
If you would like to book an assessment, a $100 deposit is required to confirm your appointments.
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 15min)
∞ Summary report to facilitate self-identification
*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: $1,550*
*Please note that an additional assessment session may be required. This can depend on various factors, such as the complexity of your presentation (e.g., history of trauma or substance use, co-occurring concerns), your communication style, your level of self-insight, and other individual considerations. As Vanessa is committed to providing assessments that are thorough, respectful, and accessible, the fee for any additional session(s) will not exceed $260.
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 15min)
∞ Summary report to facilitate self-identification
*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: $1,850*
*Please note that an additional assessment session may be required. This can depend on various factors, such as the complexity of your presentation (e.g., history of trauma or substance use, co-occurring concerns), your communication style, your level of self-insight, and other individual considerations. As Vanessa is committed to providing assessments that are thorough, respectful, and accessible, the fee for any additional session(s) will not exceed $260.
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 wish 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 not accepting new clients for ongoing therapy support and her waitlist is currently closed. However, you're welcome to enquire as she may occasionally have limited availability. Or, you can email Reception for suggestions for other neuroaffirming psychologists with soon-ish availability.
Neurodivergent people may need mental health support to cope with the stressors of living in neuronormative society, create safety in an overwhelming world, and find ways to thrive on their own terms.
Neurodivergent people do not need fixing, nor do they need to 'be more resilient’. Many Autistic and ADHD people already show immense resilience each day by navigating a world that wasn't designed with their needs in mind, often at great cost to their well-being (e.g., see "minority stress"). Vanessa understands that part of neurodiversity-affirming therapy involves helping neurodivergent individuals understand and honour how their brains and bodies work, enabling them to pursue their goals without constantly forgoing their own needs and well-being, and build a life that feels right for themselves.
Vanessa works with Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD adults (18+) who would like support in various areas, including:
∞ Anxiety
∞ Depression
∞ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
∞ Autistic burnout
∞ Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)
∞ Persistent drive for autonomy (PDA; often known as "pathological demand avoidance")
∞ Understanding their neurodivergent brain through a neuroaffirming lens
∞ Self-concept and identity
∞ Shame and internalised ableism
∞ Navigating co-occuring chronic illnesses
∞ Stress management
∞ Emotional regulation
∞ Interpersonal conflict
∞ Self-advocacy
∞ Executive functioning (e.g., organisation, motivation, task initiation) differences
Therapeutic Approaches: Vanessa is experienced in the following evidence-based psychological therapy modalities 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
∞ Person-Centred Therapy
∞ Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
∞ Motivational Interviewing (MI)
To ensure clients receive appropriate care, Vanessa works within her areas of professional training and experience. She does not provide primary support for:
∞ Eating disorders
∞ Bipolar disorder
∞ Psychosis
∞ Domestic/Family violence
∞ Substance use
∞ Couples/Family therapy
Standard 51-minute therapy appointment fee: $260
Vanessa accepts clients with a GP referral under the Better Access initiative (Medicare rebate is $101.55) or who are NDIS self-managed. She is currently at capacity for NDIS plan-managed clients.
Vanessa does not accept clients funded through Workers’ Compensation or Transport Accident Commission (TAC).