Our service offers assessment for adults (18+) who are querying if they are on the autism spectrum or have ADHD Inattentive/hyperactive aka as “neurodivergent”.   By way of explanation Neurodiversity is the diversity of human minds, the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species. Neurodiversity is a biological fact. When an individual or group of individuals diverges from the dominant societal standards of ‘normal’ neurocognitive functioning, they are ‘neurodivergent’ (Dr Nick Walker, 2014). Autism and ADHD are forms of neurodivergence.

Neurodivergence (ND) is a broad term that is used to describe a person who thinks and processes differently from the way the majority of people (referred to as neurotypical) expect. Neurodivergence includes but not finitely, differences in a person’s interpersonal & social style, communication, time management, organisation, memory, concentration, time, direction, perception, sequencing, and listening skills.

Neurodivergence includes conditions such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and others. Neurodivergence can make living in a largely neurotypical world of school, work and relationships challenging. These challenges can lead to the development of low self-esteem, feelings of overwhelm and burnout (a more intense version than is typical) and diagnosable mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. There is found to be a difference between males and female presentations and research is ongoing.

Some professionals currently surmise that at least one in every 250 people has an Asperger (now referred to as autism spectrum condition – AS or autism) profile. Prof. Tony Attwood (an expert in the field) estimates that as many as 50% of people with AS remain undiagnosed, in part because the autism traits have only recently been publicly recognized on a broad scale. Also the ratio of males:females used to be thought of as 4:1 however now with further understanding and awareness it is more likely to be 2:1 (https://www.aane.org/prevalence/). Interestingly a recent analysis indicated between 40-70% of autistic individuals have ADD or ADHD (Attwood & Garnett, 2022 & Rong et al, 2021).  There are many shared traits between the two neurotypes of ADHD and Autism.  Also it is interesting to note that ADHD Inattentive and Hyperactive present differently and this can be misunderstood in the general population.

Our approach is to see neurodivergence as difference not disorder; that is we approach it from a neuro-affirmative perspective rather than a deficits model. We see everyone as a valued member of humanity and aim to assist you in finding your true self, to identify your neurodivergent strengths as well as strategies to improve the quality of your life and advocate for yourself to make your lifelong journey rewarding.

Our Adult Autism Assessment service is provided by Andrea Beres, Registered Psychologist, a leading psychologist in Melbourne working with ADHD and Autism. Andrea is passionate about neurodivergence and has completed training with Professor Tony Attwood, Dr Michelle Garnett, Dr Michelle Livock, Monique Mitchelson and other experts in the field, engages in ongoing education and professional development in the field, and has followed the evolution in learning/education of neurodivergence over the last 10 years. Andrea has a strongly empathic and caring approach with clients and is experienced in assessing significant numbers of adults.  She has found that more often than not the assessment of this neurotype results in a person being able to consolidate their past challenges with the new found knowledge of being neurodivergent and help a person live a fuller, authentic and happier life.