Aspasia Stacey Rabba

Dr Aspasia Stacey Rabba is a Lecturer in the School of Educational Psychology & Counselling at Monash University, an Honorary Research Fellow at La Trobe University, and a Senior Psychologist/Coordinator at Monash Health. She is actively engaged in bridging research and clinical practice, with leadership roles including Associate Editor of the Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Chair-Elect of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists (Vic) at the Australian Psychological Society.

• PhD in Psychological Sciences and Autism, La Trobe University (2020)
• Masters in Educational Psychology, University of Melbourne (2013)
• Masters in Disability Studies (Autism and Intellectual Disability), Flinders University (2010)

Dr Rabba's research centers on neurodevelopmental conditions across the lifespan, with a focus on autism, mental health, diagnostic overshadowing, and autistic burnout. She explores family and parent wellbeing, assessment and diagnosis across ages, and protective factors in neurodivergent individuals through the lens of positive psychology. Her work emphasizes neurodiversity-affirming practices, co-designed research, and qualitative and mixed-methods approaches.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend toward community-engaged research, examining language use in learning disorders, autistic mothers’ experiences with schools, infant and family support, and suicide prevention in autism. These works highlight her commitment to translational research, policy impact, and amplifying autistic voices.

• Associate Editor, Educational and Developmental Psychologist (2022–present)
• Secretary, College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists, Australian Psychological Society (2022–2024)
• Chair-Elect, College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists, Australian Psychological Society (2024–present)
• Honorary Research Fellow, La Trobe University (2020–present)

Dr Rabba is actively involved in research and policy, including a current project co-developing an autism suicide prevention resource hub for mental healthcare professionals. She contributes to national discourse through submissions to government committees, such as the Senate Education and Employment References Committee. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and leads initiatives that promote inclusion, equity, and mental wellbeing for neurodivergent populations.

She is affiliated with research networks focused on autism, mental health, and education, and her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, education, and reduced inequalities.