A safe and inclusive space for those 18 + wanting to explore their neurotype.
Ashlee is a clinical psychologist who has been supporting neurodivergent people across the past 8 years, her main mission being to support neurodivergent adults access neuroaffirming care. This mission arose after observing the amount of adults being identified later in life, after years of operating in a world largely set up for non-autistic folk. Because of this, Ashlee has a particular interest in assessing ‘internalised’ or ‘masked’ autism profiles and supporting people to understand their neurology so that they can work with their brain, rather than against it.
Ashlee welcomes people from all backgrounds. She recognises and acknowledges that we may have different experiences and identities in terms of race, cultural background, religion, gender identity, sexuality, and neurotype.
Ashlee works from an anti-oppressive, neurodivergence affirming, trauma-informed framework. She is LGBTIAQ+ affirmative and informed and inclusive of diverse relationship structures. Her practice aligns with the social and empowering models of disability and keeps clients’ goals, expertise and autonomy at the forefront.
Assessment Location
Assessments typically take place via videoconferencing, using Zoom. This allows accessibility for those located all across Australia. If you live in Melbourne (VIC), assessments can be completed face-to-face at the clinic in Moonee Ponds, at request.
Assessment Process
An autism assessment involves 2 x one hour sessions where you will be asked a series of questions using the MIGDAS-2 (currently the most neuroaffirming assessment tool available). The aim is for this to feel like a collaborative exploration of your life. On occasion, there is need for further assessment beyond these two sessions (typically for those presenting with a complex physical or mental health history). If this is necessary, Ashlee will discuss this with you as early as possible and the standard session fee of $260 will apply.
In between sessions, you will be emailed links to a series of online questionnaires, with your responses emailed directly back to Ashlee. This may involve questionnaires for a chosen family member, partner, friend, or other trusted and safe person to complete. Ashlee may also seek your permission to speak directly with this chosen person, if they do not attend the sessions with you. This part is important because identification of Autism requires that there is evidence in childhood. If there is not a person available to provide this information we can discuss using school reports, prior assessment reports, or your own recollection.
Following this, a 50 minute feedback session will take place where you will discuss the assessment outcome. This may or may not mean formal identification, so it is important to manage expectations up front. You will also discuss other possible diagnoses and any ongoing recommendations. You will then receive a report via email approximately 4 - 6 weeks post the feedback session.
Ashlee acknowledges that entering into the assessment space may feel difficult for various reasons, so you are more than welcome to bring a support person to any part of the assessment process.
Please note, Ashlee no longer offers ADHD assessments. In your Autism assessment, she can provide her opinion as to whether further follow up regarding ADHD is indicated. If follow up is necessary, she will direct you to seek a GP referral for a psychiatrist to complete this assessment.
You can use this website to find a psychiatrist: https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/find-a-psychiatrist
Comprehensive Report
The comprehensive report provided at the conclusion of assessment will outline your personal information, analysis of the criteria that you meet / do not meet, current functioning and the assessment outcome. It will also detail any ongoing recommendations and helpful resources. Outside of those simply wanting to understand how Ashlee came to the conclusion that she did, this report can also potentially serve useful in a number of ways.
NDIS / NDIA: This report can be used as evidence to support your request to access NDIS. However, it is important to keep in mind that while Ashlee will complete a robust report, the decisions made by the NDIA regarding access are outside of her control, with the NDIA remaining the sole-decision makers.
Disability Support Pension (Centrelink): Psychologists are able to provide supporting evidence for some categories of DSP applications. This means that in some cases your comprehensive report may be able to support a DSP application. If applying for DSP, additional paperwork and forms can be completed at the standard session rate ($260/hour) given the time required.
Employment / Education: Formal diagnosis and a comprehensive report grants you the right to access supports, accommodations and reasonable adjustments in your place of employment and educational institution, as well as protection under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992). You may also want to take this report to your GP so that it can be included in your medical history.
Fee / Payment Options
The fee for an autism assessment is $2080.
Medicare does not permit the provision of rebates for Autism assessment using Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs) or Chronic Disease Management Plans (GPMPs).
Medicare now allows Paediatricians to refer clients up to the age of 25 for Autism assessment, where Medicare rebates are allowable. If you are a young adult seeking assessments please discuss Medicare item number 135 with your Paediatrician if you are still under their care.
Private health funds vary in their coverage of Autism assessment. It is recommended that you contact your specific fund to enquire. As I am unable to process HICAPS, paid invoices are emailed to clients for lodgement with health funds.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) generally do not fund diagnostic assessments for adults who are already participants with an NDIS package. You can check whether this applies to your plan and funding by speaking with your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator.
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. Please be mindful of checking the timezone on the booking screen if you are from interstate.
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). The full assessment fee is deducted from your card at the time of your initial assessment session. Reports can not be released until all fees have been paid.
If you change your mind about the assessment and no longer wish to go ahead, please let Ashlee know at least one week before your session via email so that she can offer the time to someone else. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the appointment time will incur a $260 cancellation fee which will need to be paid before further sessions are booked.
In order to engage with this service you must be 18 years or older, have access to a computer with a webcam and a stable internet connection. Assessments can not be provided over the phone as Ashlee needs to be able to see you during the assessment in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
Please note: due to limited availability at this time, Ashlee is not able to offer ongoing therapeutic support post-assessment.
New appointments just opened for August - October!
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.