A safe and inclusive space for those 15 + wanting to explore their neurotype.
Ashlee is a clinical psychologist who has been supporting neurodivergent people across the past 9 years. She has found particular value in providing neuroaffirming autism assessments for teens and adults. This came about after supporting those identified later in life to reframe their experiences through the lens of being neurodivergent and watching the restorative impact this has had. She has a particular interest in assessing ‘high masking’ presentations. Ashlee welcomes people from all backgrounds.
Assessment Location
Assessments can take place either face-to-face in Moonee Ponds, Victoria, or via videoconferencing, using zoom. This allows accessibility for those located all across Australia.
Assessment Process
Pre-assessment: Once you book in for an assessment you will be sent a confirmation email and shortly after an intake form to complete in preparation for your first session.
Clinical Interview: The autism assessment itself involves 2 x approximately 1.5 hour sessions which will involve a collaborative exploration of your life using the MIGDAS-2 (currently the most neuroaffirming assessment tool available). In between sessions, you will be emailed links to a few online questionnaires. This may involve questionnaires for a trusted and chosen person in your life who you feel knows you well. Part of the autism assessment means we will be speaking about your experiences in childhood. Ashlee may ask to speak with someone around your developmental history. If this is not possible, don’t worry, there are other ways to gather this information.
Feedback session: This one hour session will take place approximately one to two weeks after your assessment. During this session you will discuss the assessment outcome and any recommendations. You will receive a report via email approximately 4 - 6 weeks post the feedback session. You are more than welcome to bring a support person along to any part of the assessment and feedback process.
Please note, Ashlee is not able to offer a comprehensive cognitive assessment (i.e. assessment around cognitive capacity, intellectual disability and specific learning disabilities).
Assessment Packages
Package 1: Autism Assessment with Comprehensive Report:
Fee: $2080
This option provides you with a comprehensive report at the conclusion of assessment. People will typically choose this option if they are wanting to use the report as evidence to support their request to access NDIS. Please be aware that a formal diagnosis does not guarantee NDIS eligibility.
Package 2: Autism Assessment with Brief Letter:
Fee: $1300
The assessment process as mentioned above is the same, but at the conclusion of assessment you will receive a brief letter outlining the assessment outcome, any recommendations and some helpful resources. People may choose this option if they are not seeking NDIS.
ADHD Screening:
Ashlee no longer offers ADHD assessments. In your Autism assessment, she will screen for ADHD and may recommend during your feedback session that you seek out a psychiatrist to complete this assessment. This is due to most psychiatrists preferring to do their own assessment prior to considering prescription of medications.
You can use this website to find a psychiatrist: https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist
A note on Medicare:
Unfortunately at this time Medicare does not provide rebates for Autism assessments. This means you cannot use a Mental Health Care Plan or Chronic Disease Management Plan for assessment sessions.
Book an assessment:
The first step is to book an initial appointment. Ashlee will then email you to arrange the rest of your assessment appointments.
All appointments are made via an online booking system and currently limited to Thursday mornings.
You will be asked to provide credit / debit card information at the time of booking, with card data stored securely in an encrypted practice management software (Halaxy). Half of the total fee is deducted from your card on the day of each assessment session. Alternatively, if you opt for a clinic based assessment, you will be able to pay at the reception desk, if you would prefer. Feedback cannot occur and reports can not be released until all fees have been paid.
In order to engage with this service you must be 15 years or older. If completing the assessment via videoconferencing, you must have access to a computer with a webcam and a stable internet connection.
Please note: due to limited availability at this time, Ashlee is not able to offer ongoing therapeutic support post-assessment.
Get in touch.
ashleehancockayp@gmail.com
Ph: (03) 9372 9511 Fax: (03) 9372 9544
33 Gladstone St
Moonee Ponds, VIC 3039
Ashlee offers appointments for autism assessment on Thursdays. Appointments are made through online booking only. To learn more about the service, please call reception or email Ashlee via the contact form. Wait times for appointments vary depending on demand and other factors.
Please note that Ashlee is not able to provide a crisis response service. If requiring crisis support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. If there is imminent danger to life contact ambulance or police on 000.
Parking: There is plenty of 2 hour free parking directly opposite the clinic. Avoid parking directly out the front of the clinic as you may receive a fine.