The Register of affirming psychologists, aka “the rap”.

  • Where a Psychologist works in a group practice, LOAPAC’s assessment of affirming practice only applies to the named Psychologist.

  • The date on each entry indicates when the clinician joined LOAPAC.

  • Please note that some of the entries are still under construction & new entries will be added every week.

  • Please ask them for clarification if needed.

  • It means that you are respected as you are and as you wish to be. No one will compare you to some kind of "normal" because we're all different. We affirm - respect - diversity!

    Diversity refers to variations in ethnicity/race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, body type/size, religion, and ability.

    For more info about neurodiversity click here.

  • Every member of LOAPAC has completed an assessment about the tenets of the neurodiversity affirming movement. Click here to see the topics that were covered.

    Knowledge is not all it takes to be affirming, though, so we meet regularly to reflect on our work and our own internalised biases (everyone has them!).

    We strive to signal that we are affirming by using the symbols and language of the affirming movement and working in ways that respect all parts of people’s identity.

    Lastly, the shift away from pathologising natural differences is a process not an exam we pass or fail. We are open to feedback and dedicated to ongoing learning. YOU ARE WELCOME TO TELL US IF YOU SEE OR EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NON-AFFIRMING.

  • Amongst our members, there are varying degrees of experience in assessing and supporting Autistic people (yes, Autistic psychologists might specialise in something other than autism!). Their area of practice will be clear from their RAP entry and their website. You can be sure that each member approaches autism as a naturally occurring neurological type and that each member has access to excellent training and resources to support their work. We LOAPAC psychologists support each other!

  • Between 50-80% of Autistics are also ADHDers. This means that anyone who works with Autistic people must know as much about ADHD as well. It also means that the 50-20% of ADHDers who are not Autistic will also be well understood by our psychologists.

  • Not much at all. The only difference is the focus of their post-graduate training. The “level” of qualification is the same. Of course, after post-graduate studies, many psychologists then train in different areas and gain new expertise. Therefore their title is even less of an indicator of their ability. Just ask what their practice focuses on.

  • Please read the LOAPAC Code of Ethics. If you are entering into a professional relationship with a lived experience psychologist, it is important to consider the boundaries and practice matters that come with shared experiences and working as a disabled professional.

  • Neurodivergent Psychologists usually work part time and need to care for themselves just as they will encourage you to care for yourself. Self care is a part of our Code of Ethics. If we don’t take care of ourselves then we can’t take care of you and also, it’s bad role modeling! We want to practise what we preach.

  • Please use the contact form on this website to reach out. Simply ask us to contact you to discuss. This enables us to follow up and support the psychologist to address your concerns. It may help you and will certainly help others. Thank you!

  • Psychologists are regulated by the Australian Health Professionals Registration Association (AHPRA). If you experience or become aware of unethical behaviour by a psychologist, please click here LOAPAC is not a regulatory body, nor is it legally responsible for the actions or practice matters of its members. LOAPAC does take its ethical responsibilities very seriously, however so please reach out to discuss matters that you do not think warrant an AHPRA complaint.