PSYCHOLOGIST FOR ADD & ASD / AUTISM

ASD / AUTISM ASSESMENTS

ADHD ASSESMENTS

Wether you are looking to get tested (assessed) or looking for some help navigating neurodiversity, you’ve come to the right place.

Timely, accurate and compassionate diagnosis is the key to working with ASD/ Autism or ADD/ ADHD, with the understanding that every individual and every situation is unique. Come and work with psychologists who specialises in neurodiversity and neurodiverse differences.

Neurodiversity

Testing & Therapy

We

believe

creative

and

diverse

minds

make

exceptional

things

happen

We Think Nuerodiverstiy is a Specialty

And It’s OUR Specialty!

We want to help get rid of the stigmatization of Nuerodiversity. We think neurological differences, like autism or ADHD, reflect normal variations in brain development and we all ought to get on board.

Are you curious to explore your own neurodiversity? Or maybe a friend or colleague has been suggested that you get tested? Not sure which direction or how to approach this? We have three excellent psychologists who can help you navigate this. Just ask.

If you’re interested, let’s help you explore ADHD, ADD, ASD / Autism. We’re really well trained in this area and want to help you get the most out of seeing a psychologist, or just getting an evaluation.

you

don’t

grow

into

your

best

self,

you

build

the

courage

to

discover

it

LET’S TALK

ABOUT NEURODIVERSITY

ADHD/ADD and ASD/Autism

Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are terms we frequently hear and use when referring to people whose minds work in a different and unique way compared to what others see as typical. Often individuals affected by one or more of these can feel confused or stigmatized. And no wonder. Even within the world of healthcare, the neurological reality of these differences are not well understood, either in the way they manifest, how they interact with an individual or even how to assist. It can get really complicated, really fast. Get an expert on your side to help navigate your questions, concerns, and especially help you address how to best manage any strengths or deficits you or your loved one may be experiencing.

Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder /ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (previously referred to as Aspergers syndrome) has a wide breadth of medical disorders that may present with significant cognitive impairment. But it can also present without significant medical disorders or perceivable cognitive impairment, in fact, there can be beautiful creativeness and even genius associated with ASD (Tim Burton, anyone?)

ASD affects attention. Attention is a process that the brain applies to the outside world via our senses that work with the executive functions of the brain to create a constant feed of information, referred to as perception. Perception allows us to interact with the world in real time and may in turn be used by the brain to create memories. Almost every part of the brain will contribute in some way to this sequence of attention, perception and memory creation.

The causes of ASD are not well understood. For many, there may be a genetic component.Other causes are simply unknown. It’s likely that a number of different factors interact to influence the way the brain develops. What we do know is that people with ASD, the components and sequencing of attention and perception are different to those experienced by nuero-typical people.

People with ASD share a particular set of characteristics- but you don’t need to have all of these characteristics to be have ASD:

  • Excessively sustained and focused attention

  • A dependence on the visual as opposed to the use of all the senses

  • Emotions in sync with sensory reality more than with a social setting

  • An inability to “multitask” or spread awareness

  • Poor motor coordination and repetitive behaviour

  • Missing or reduced ability to “tune out” or mentally step away.

What this means is that individuals with ASD behave, communicate and interact with the world in ways that can be seen as different from the majority of people (called neuronormative). But also in ways that are different to each other. A diagnosis of ASD may mean very dissimilar things in different people. Some can communicate easily, others are nonverbal. Some require ongoing assistance while others happily live without the need for support.

ASD is present from birth, is usually apparent by the age of three and persists throughout life. The good news is that treatment makes a difference, particularly when treatment is started early and when it concentrates on reducing the symptoms that interfere with quality of life. Sometimes just knowing or understanding there is a named difference can be quite liberating for nuerodiverse.

Holistic treatment plans that are tailored to the individual’s needs and address both physical and mental health are considered to be the most effective.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

In terms of classification, all forms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are now called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. There are three broad sub-classifications:

Inattentive Type – an individual has difficulty organising or finishing a task, paying attention to details, or following instructions and conversations. They are easily distracted and tend to forget details of daily routines. These symptoms used to be grouped together under the banner of ADD. Children with this form of ADHD do not show signs of hyperactivity, in fact they may seem shy or withdrawn.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – an individual fidgets, talks too much, finds it hard to sit still for long, has trouble with turn-based activities, and when younger, continuously runs, jumps and climbs. Impulsivity is a problem, leading to disruption, interruption, grabbing and carelessness. Mistakes and unnecessary risk taking are typical, leading to a higher incidence of injury and accident.

Combined Type – symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are present.

Just because a child exhibits some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean they have ADHD or are neurodiverse. Significant life events such as a divorce or death in the family or a recent move, and physiological issues such as thyroid problems or even lead toxicity might cause a child to exhibit some of these behaviours.

ADHD is now considered to be one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. And while many children develop beyond their ADHD, it often persists into adulthood. Adults also experience the disorder in their own right.

The symptoms of ADHD can be mild or they can be severe, and in children can disrupt friendships, schooling and family life. In adults, it can create unstable relationships, affect work performance and lead to issues of low self-esteem.

Behavioural therapy is considered the first line of treatment for ADHD. A good treatment plan will involve a holistic approach that involves healthcare providers, teachers, parents, therapists, coaches, and other family members. In older children and adults, behavioural therapy and psychotherapy in combination with medication is often recommended.

When ASD and ADHD Occur Together

According to the scientific literature, 50 to 70% of individuals with ASD also have ADHD. However, ASD and ADHD are different entities that affect individuals in distinct ways, and these statistics are now being revised, particularly given that the treatment for one may not be optimal for the other. A complicating factor is that autistic symptoms are rarely seen in ADHD, however there are specific ADHD symptoms that are quite common in cases of ASD.

Timely, accurate and compassionate diagnosis is the key to treating ASD or ADHD, with the understanding that every individual and every situation is unique. It is also important to work with psychologists who specialise in neurodiversity and neurodiverse disorders.

A child with ADHD will most likely grow out of the condition as they approach adulthood, or with the assistance of therapy, develop the emotional range to manage the condition themselves. Medication is also very effective. The key to treatment is to ensure that their developmental years are not adversely affected by the condition, and that disruption to others around them is minimised.

ASD affects each person differently. People with ASD have unique strengths and challenges, and their treatment programs must be tailored to reflect this. The symptoms, and therefore the challenges of ASD will also change with age. With early intervention, children with some forms of ASD can show excellent progress, catching up to their peers developmentally.

Support for family members is also vital. Misconceptions about autism, how it comes about and how it should be treated abound, and can be simply overwhelming.

Meet Our Neuro-diverstiy Team

Vyda S. Chai: ASD, Autism

Vyda has been in a psychologist for more than 20 years and has experience in autism and autism spectrum disorder. She is a qualified for Autism Assesments- which is a big freaking deal! She’s our only approved assessor on site. What does this mean? It means she’s probably the best educated ASD and neurodiverse specilist in the building And we are thrilled she’s Here. We think you will be as well.

For the past few years she has put a focus on both adults and children of various multi-cultural backgrounds to overcome presenting concerns and improve their quality of life. She loves the topic and is passionate about working in a non-stigmatizing way, helping you get to where you want to be. She holds the following degrees and qualifications:

  • M Psychology (Clinical)

  • B Psychology

  • B Science (Psychology)

  • Fellow of APS College of Clinical Psychologists (FCCLP)

  • Clinical Supervisor of Psychology Board of Australia

  • Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)

  • Registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

  • Member of Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)

  • Member of Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP)

  • Clinical Supervisor for Singapore Register of Psychologists (SRP)

Her training has included the following theories and models:

Trauma-Informed - Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Reality / Choice Therapy, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR and Mindfulness.

Angela Mifsud: ADD, ADHD 

Angela is a dedicated Clinical Psychologist specialising in supporting adolescents and adults to overcome challenges and enhance their quality of life.

Angela performs ADD/ ADHD assessments (Wow! Like, there’s a lot of choices for ADD assessments here!) We feel really lucky to have her expertise here. And we think you’ll love working with her.

She specialises in Psychosexual therapy and Systemic Relationship therapy. She is also trained in Person Centred, Imago, Emotional Focused and Strengths-Based Therapy.

Angela’s Qualifications:

  • Masters of Clinical Psychology

  • Bachelor of Psychology (Honors)

  • Bachelor of Business

  • Australian Psychological Society

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Australia Association

Kelly Kakakios: ADD, ADHD

Kelly works with neurodiversity & ADHD/ ADD and wants you to know that neurodiversity is not only ok, but it can be celebrated. Kelly is qualified to do ADD/ ADHD assessments, and we are so very happy to have her here.

Kelly’s approach is warm with a touch of humour, Kelly creates a supportive and comfortable environment where clients feel safe to explore and address challenges. Kelly works with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, EMDR, Compassion Focused, Mindfulness, Solution Focused.

Kelly’s Qualifications:

  • Masters of Clinical Psychology

  • Bachelor of Psychology (Honors)

  • Certification in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health

  • Australian Psychological Society

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Association Australia

  • College of Clinical Psychologists