AUTISM ADVISORY AND SUPPORT SERVICE

Psychologist

Stephanie (she/her/hers) is a neurodivergent psychologist (B. Psych (Hons.), M. Applied Psych) with an interest in autism and the neurodivergent experience. Stephanie holds a current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), as well as holding current registration as a Board Approved Supervisor.  

Stephanie aims to utilise her special interest and passion in autism to support neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults with gaining greater self-knowledge, and in turn support their mental health. Stephanie works from a neurodiversity affirming approach supporting clients in understanding their own way of processing the world, regulating emotions, and sensory needs, with the focus being on modifying the environment, adding knowledge to client and families, and providing strategies for the client to achieve their own individualised goals. Stephanie acknowledges the need for continued understanding, awareness, and acceptance for the autistic community, and is committed to making a change.  

Therapy: Stephanie utilises resources and therapeutic skills from a range of approaches such Trauma-Informed Therapy, Play-Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, supporting clients with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, sensory dysregulation, executive dysfunction, social connection, and trauma. Stephanie also utilises her interests, and the interests of her clients in group and therapy practices (e.g., Harry Potter social group), with a strong belief that interests provide some of the best therapy and a great way to form connection and safety within a group. Stephanie focuses on providing a safe environment for autistic communication and skills to be utilised, whilst learning skills and strategies to support mental health, social, and emotional needs. 

Assessment: Stephanie provides psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Available assessments include – Autism diagnostic assessments, ADHD assessments, mental health assessments, and cognitive assessments. Assessments are also completed in a neurodiversity affirming approach. Stephanie is currently completing her PhD in the area of autism assessments, aiming to better understand the autistic and professional experience of assessment processes, focusing on the greater identification of high masking autistics. Further information on assessments available can be found on the Psychology Assessments tab.  

Training and Resources: Stephanie has a passion for providing up to date and affirming training for families, schools, and organisations who wish to understand the autistic experience, from an autistic / neurodiverse individual. Resources and Information can be found on the AASS shop and YouTube, or requested by contacting the AASS office.