Autism assessments

Rochelle has over 25 years’ experience in clinical and leadership roles across state government disability services, private practice and the non-government sector.

Rochelle is well known for the warm and engaging approach she brings to therapy with both children and adults.

She uses a range of therapeutic approaches but primarily draws on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Rochelle has a long term passion for working with children and adults with disabilities, in particular people with autism spectrum disorder. She also has extensive experience in psychoeducational assessments for children with learning and intellectual disabilities and in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Rochelle has Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Psychological Practice and Master of Clinical Psychology. She holds registration with the Psychology Board of Australia with clinical endorsement and is a member of the APS College of clinical Psychologists.

Kerry has over 20 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and families in a variety of settings. This has included hospitals, community based services and private practice.

Kerry has wide experience in psychological assessment and is able to assess and diagnose a range of conditions including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disorders and intellectual disability.

Kerry is passionate about understanding the whole child and works very much from a strengths-based framework to help children reach their potential. Kerry enjoys working therapeutically within a broad range of areas including anxiety and depression.

She also consults with the Independent Schools Association on ways to support children with mental health diagnoses and challenging behaviour at school.
She often runs workshops for parents and teachers covering a variety of topics including growth mindset, ways to support mental wellbeing, understanding challenging behaviour, anxiety and autism spectrum disorder.

Lisa is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in providing a range of psychological services to individuals, families, schools and organisations.  She has worked in private practice, school, community and residential care settings. Lisa also has experience working in child protection, family reunification, and youth homelessness settings.

Lisa works in a collaborative and non-judgemental manner and is passionate about working with children, adolescents and adults to improve their wellbeing. In addition, she frequently consults with families, teachers, support staff and other allied health professionals to improve their ability to support their children.   Lisa regularly conducts comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for students experiencing learning difficulties, and to diagnose conditions such as intellectual disability, specific learning disorders and ADHD.

She has a particular interest in supporting adolescents to understand and manage their mental health and improve their wellbeing. She also has an interest and experience in helping her clients to recover from traumatic and adverse life experiences.
Lisa completed her Honours in Psychology and Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Flinders University.

She has also received specialist training in Family Systems Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Child and Adolescent Psychology. Her therapeutic style is grounded in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, though she tailors her approach to each individual client in a strengths-based manner.

She is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia with Clinical Endorsement and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Nataly Veal is a Clinical Psychologist with experience supporting individuals across all age groups, including children, young people, and adults with mental health concerns, learning difficulties, and disabilities. Nataly has specific interests in autism and ADHD.

With over a decade of experience in diverse settings, including public, private, and independent school systems, Nataly possesses a wealth of knowledge in psychoeducational assessments and can identify and provide recommendations for various conditions, such as intellectual disability, specific learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia), as well as gifted and talented learners.

Nataly's therapeutic style is warm and engaging, and she is dedicated to employing a strength-based and values-driven approach that empowers clients to achieve their goals. When working with neurodivergent children who have social, emotional, and behavioural needs, Nataly adopts a child-centered approach. Nataly collaborates with parents, teachers, and other allied health professionals to develop effective strategies across home and school settings.

When working with adolescents, Nataly's kind and empathic therapy style enables her to foster strong relationships and provide genuine understanding and support throughout their life challenges. She also extends her expertise to adults, assisting them in improving their mental health, life outlook, and overall well-being.

As a committed professional, Nataly provides clinical supervision to early career psychologists as well as clinicians in registrar programs seeking practice endorsement. Her guidance and mentorship empower fellow practitioners to refine their skills and deliver exceptional care.

Stephi is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist and member of Speech Pathology Australia.

She has experience working in the school setting with children with a range of intellectual and multiple disabilities including autism spectrum disorder, global developmental delay and syndrome disorders.

Stephi has training in the SOS Approach to Feeding and SENSE-ational Mealtimes; these strategies support children who are fussy eaters or have restricted diets due to sensory issues.

Stephi uses a relational approach to build on functional communication goals in therapy. She strives to make sessions fun, engaging and meaningful for both parent and client.

Stephi uses a ‘toolbox’ approach, drawing from a number of communication and interaction approaches in therapy. She has experience with a range of Alternative and Augmentative Communication strategies, including low-tech (photos, schedules, choice making) and high-tech options (tablet technology with communication applications).

She works with pre- and school aged children with speech sound disorders, language disorders, intellectual disabilities, pre- or nonverbal individuals and fussy eaters.

Dr Sadia Chaudry has over 14 years of experience working as a highly skilled General Paediatrician, managing a wide range of complex illnesses that effect children in various sub-specialities such as endocrinology, cardiology, nephrology, neonatology and others. Sadia’s warm and easy demeanour makes her an ideal doctor to approach for discreet, trustworthy and highly competent consultations with children.

She is accredited by Autism SA for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. This accreditation compliments her ability to manage children with complex medical conditions such as developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit and other behavioural conditions. She is an expert in dealing with at risk and emotionally dysregulated young people.

Graduating from her medicine degree in 1996, she completed a four-year fellowship in general paediatrics, followed by a six-year fellowship as a General Paediatrician at the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. She is currently working at Adelaide Youth Training Centre and Mount Gambier Hospital.

Areas of Interest

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Stephanie has experience working with children, adolescents and their families in both clinical and educational settings.

Stephanie’s warm and encouraging approach focuses on building a relationship of trust, confidence and respect.

Holding a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Melbourne, Stephanie integrates her knowledge of childhood development and evidence-based practices to provide both assessment and therapy services, targeted to a client’s individual needs.

Stephanie draws upon a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and enjoys developing a deep understanding of a young person’s strengths, supporting them to develop insight, confidence and resilience.

Stephanie has an interest in supporting children and adolescents with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, adjustment to life changes, social challenges and perfectionism, as well as providing support to children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental differences including Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.

Melissa is a Certified Practising Member of Speech Pathology Australia and brings a wealth of experience spanning over three decades to her role.

Throughout her extensive career, Melissa has been dedicated to empowering children and families in both community and hospital settings. With a focus on developmental delays and disabilities, particularly autism, Melissa has a comprehensive understanding of the array of services available services for children. Her steadfast commitment to supporting parents of children with special needs underscores her holistic approach to care.

More recently, Melissa has enjoyed the complexities of diagnosing autism spectrum disorders in both children and adult cases. Her skill in differentially diagnosing autism from other childhood neurodevelopmental disorders is complemented by significant experience in addressing behavioural issues and trauma in children.

Melissa's multifaceted approach reflects her unwavering commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of individuals with diverse needs and challenges.

With an extensive career in psychology spanning over 25 years, Rachel has worked with children, adolescents, and families in a diverse range of settings including educational environments, disability services, and private practice. Driven by a passion for early intervention, she enjoys collaborating with young children and their families or caregivers, guiding them toward reaching their developmental, social, and emotional potential.

Rachel has extensive experience in psychological assessments and can diagnose and assess a broad spectrum of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disorders, giftedness, global developmental delay, and intellectual disability.

In her therapeutic work with children, Rachel embraces a playful, child-centered, and strengths-based approach. Drawing upon a rich repertoire of evidence-based therapies and frameworks such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment Theory, Play Therapy, and Positive Behaviour Support, she tailors interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual client.

Acknowledging the collaborative nature of effective intervention, Rachel values the essential contributions of parents, teachers, and allied health professionals in the development and implementation of strategies. This holistic perspective underscores her dedication to fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the therapy room.

Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Practice, and a Master of Clinical Psychology. She also holds dual endorsements in clinical and educational and developmental psychology from the Psychology Board of Australia. Additionally, Rachel is a member of both the APS College of Clinical Psychologists and the APS College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists.