Why Us?

ASD Specialised Counselling

About Leanne Hogan

ASD Specialised Counselling Founder

Hello! My name is Leanne. I would love to talk to you!

I am a qualified counsellor, with an extensive 30+ year professional background in Counselling, Health, Disability, and Early Intervention. I also have a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Graduate Diploma of Advanced Clinical Practice. I have held clinical, management, research, education and consultancy positions across the Health and Early Intervention sectors. I am an experienced keynote speaker, advocate, and group facilitator of support programs. I have held positions on Royal Children's Hospital Early Intervention Services Advisory Council, and Western Autistic School Council. I have participated in many focus groups. For Arts Access Victoria. I was part of the Victorian Opera's pilot program for the 'first ever' Relaxed Performance of Hansel and Gretel, (which sold out in six hours!), as well as Circus Oz, and many more. As you can see, I have been busy!

I have my own life experience with ASD and ADHD within my family. This guides me to offer a different service to you - a service that can make a difference NOW.

Given my circumstance and professional experience, I have created practical and adaptable ways to manage the challenges that ASD can present, in a respectful, relatable and compassionate manner.

About Mark Hogan

ASD Specialised Counselling Co Founder

Mark is a qualified counsellor with a difference. He has ASD! He is a published author, a keynote speaker, an ASD solution focused counsellor, and an advocate for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is passionate about helping children, teenagers and adults diagnosed with autism and Asperger's syndrome.

Mark is the author of 2 books, 'The key that unlocked a mystery', and "My Point of View." Mark wrote his first book "The key that unlocked a mystery." as a form of self help therapy to overcome the news of being diagnosed with ASD as he found it hard to accept the diagnosis.

His second book, "My Point of View", was specifically written to help you understand 'Theory of Mind.' and what it is like not to have it! Mark bravely shares true stories of his life to explain this tricky concept!

Mark and Leanne were guest speakers at the Victorian Autism Conference in 2014.

They were nominated for the Amaze Award for community service/individual leadership.

Mark embraces his diagnosis and uses his knowledge and insight to help others with challenges associated with ASD.

Our Unique Approach

What we offer is ASD Specialised Counselling with a difference!

Mark and I have a deep understanding of ASD. We live it!

Being in a relationship with a partner with ASD brings a special set of skills. Mark and I have experienced lots of miscommunication along our journey, and are celebrating 18 years of marriage this year!

Parenting a child with a disability is a tough gig. We have laughed every day at our hilarious life, and have cried 40 million tears! We are familiar with NDIS, we've worked closely with special and mainstream schools, we've experienced great support, discrimination, inclusion, exclusion, and everything in between! We have a solid understanding of services available to families, and would love to support you. We have created strategies that are not only practical and adaptable, but more importantly, respectful, and compassionate.

Having ASD is interesting! From special interests to meltdowns, Mark's personal diagnosis has taken him on a journey of discovery. He has incredible insight into what is going on inside the mind of an individual with ASD, and how he looks at the world. He can help others living with ASD, because he speaks their language. Communication is key, and Mark's communication skills are very rare when counselling others with ASD. He knows there is nothing 'mild' about 'mild autism,' and he achieves great results with his clients. He has taught children with ASD all sorts of skills when others have thought it too hard!

Yes, we're not the average counselling service. We offer a highly effective Counselling Service, that is practical, relatable and will help you in your journey with ASD.