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Esther Shiu Sum Chan

Child Psychologist

Esther is a Child Psychologist with 17 years of experience working with autistic children as an educator and a psychologist. A Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), she is trained to provide educational assessments and interventions, with a specialised skill set in using the ADOS-2 for autism assessment.

Her career began after earning her first degree, working with autistic children and their families. As a teacher and later a principal at a small non-profit educational centre, Esther developed a deep passion for supporting children with Autism and ADHD, as well as their families. After being trained as a psychologist, her expertise expanded to include working with children facing Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia), Selective Mutism, Anxiety, and Depression.

Esther’s perspective on neurodivergent individuals has evolved significantly, moving from a focus on “fixing” them to adopting an affirmative approach that celebrates their strengths and embraces diversity. She believes that acceptance is key to thriving in an inclusive world.

Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, in addition to English, Esther values her multicultural background and enjoys working with culturally diverse populations. Her combined experience as a teacher and psychologist allows her to provide holistic support to children and families in need.

Esther believes that a child’s development is shaped by various contexts, and the best support comes from strengthening the systems around them—family,
peers, schools, and communities.

She creates a safe, relaxed environment for children, using play as a tool to help them thrive. She focuses on celebrating neurodivergent children’s strengths while addressing the challenges they face in a world not designed for them, empowering them to remain authentic rather than trying to change who they are.

Growing up in a multicultural society, Esther enjoys working with culturally diverse populations and is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, in addition to English. She is dedicated to providing the support children and families need to succeed in a complex world.