Clinical Neuropsychologist

Meet Dr Vanessa Petersen

Understanding that goes beyond diagnoses to reveal the complete, beautiful complexity of your child.

APS CCN AADPA

The difference expertise makes

My experience working alongside psychiatrists, paediatricians, occupational therapists and speech therapists in Monash Health's Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry Team has given me deep insight into complex cases where multiple conditions intersect.

The workshops I lead for healthcare and education teams focus on seeing beyond the surface to understand what children really need. This means your child's assessment won't just be thorough — it will reveal insights that lead to practical, meaningful support.

Dr Vanessa Petersen

What this means for your child

I partner with families to understand their child's unique neurotype — not just their challenges, but their complete story.

My expertise lies in recognising the subtle signs that matter, whether your child masks their struggles, has multiple overlapping conditions, or simply doesn't fit the textbook presentation.

This expertise is constantly refined through challenging presentations and staying at the forefront of neurodiversity understanding.

My approach

I threw out the rigid, clinical approach years ago. Your child won't feel like they're being tested or judged in the traditional sense. Instead, I create an environment where they can feel as comfortable as possible.

I meet your child where they are. If that means becoming a unicorn to explain tasks, taking movement breaks for star jumps, or adjusting my entire approach to match their comfort level, that's what I do.

In my free time

Dr Vanessa Petersen with Luna, her black Lab

I love exploring local trails and beaches with my family and our black Lab, Luna. I'm a bit of a coffee nerd who gets way too excited about finding the perfect cup.

My kids keep me up to date on Pokemon (though I'm still learning!), and I'm always catching up on the latest science videos on YouTube. When I get some time to myself, you'll find me at the gym lifting heavy things!

Coffee Nerd Nature Explorer Dog Parent Pokemon Student

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule a consultation to discuss your child's needs and find the right path forward.

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