Cate Fidler

BSci/Ed, Grad Dip Psych (Hons), MAPS

Cate (she/her) is a Psychologist with a background in primary school education and over 20 years' experience working with autistic and neurodivergent children, teenagers, young adults, and their families.

Cate's approach is neurodiversity-affirming. Rather than trying to change who her clients are, she works alongside them to understand their strengths, interests and values, and to use these to move through the world a little more easily.  Much of her work involves translating the "neurotypical world" for neurodivergent clients, supporting the nervous system to move between states of dysregulation and regulation, often through coregulation, and using declarative language to invite connection rather than demand a response.  She also works through anxiety, and helps make sense of the unwritten social rules many people never have to think about.  Mindful of masking and more internalised presentations of neurodivergence, she tries to create a space where clients feel able to be themselves.

Cate conducts autism assessments using tools such as the ADOS-2, WPPSI-IV and/or WISC-V, Vineland, SRS-2, SPM-2, CARS-2, and the AQ or ASSQ, chosen according to each client's age and needs.  If requested, Cate can screen for ADHD using the Vanderbilt,a diagnosis which can later be confirmed by a Paediatrician.  She draws on play-based therapy, ACT, CBT and narrative therapy, adapting her style to suit each client's age and stage of development. 

Cate's interest in this area goes back to her studies, when she worked at Western Autistic School with children under ten.  She has since worked as a Psychologist in Early Intervention and Community Health services, carrying out developmental and cognitive assessments (including school readiness assessments) and providing ongoing support to families.  She likes staying connected to the systems around her clients, working alongside childcare centres, kindergartens, schools and other health professionals so support wraps around the child.

Cate offers both in-person and telehealth appointments.

Cate consults on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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