Dr Adrian Russo

Background and Experience

Adrian is a Clinical Neuropsychologist with experience in assessing and supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental presentations across the lifespan. He obtained A PhD and a Master of Clinical Neuropsychology at La Trobe University, and he is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia with an endorsement in Clinical Neuropsychology. Adrian has also practiced as a general psychologist at a not-for-profit psychology clinic, providing both assessment and therapy using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He has worked with a diverse range of presentations, with a predominant focus on neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents. In addition to clinical practice, Adrian has contributed to academia through teaching in the psychology program at La Trobe University up until 2021.​

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Clinical Interests

Adrian has a strong clinical interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Motor Disorders, and Language Disorders. He primarily works with children and adolescents, conducting comprehensive neuropsychological assessments to support their cognitive, social, and emotional development. He also has past experience conducting diagnostic assessments for neurodivergent adults.​​

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Research Interests

His previous research focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying social behaviour, anxiety, and sleep, with a particular interest in serotonin’s role in these processes. He has contributed to published scientific research in psychology and neuroscience.

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Practice Philosophies

Adrian is committed to conducting detailed neuropsychological assessments to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses, helping families better understand how differences in brain development impact learning, attention, behaviour, and social-emotional functioning. He takes a collaborative and compassionate approach, guiding families through the assessment process with sensitivity and care.

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He believes in creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable and confident to perform at their best. By matching their energy and adapting to their needs, he strives to ensure that each child has a positive experience during assessments. His goal is to provide families, educators and the wider support team with clear, practical strategies that empower children to reach their full potential.

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Extra About Me

Outside of work, Adrian is an avid Brisbane Lions and Liverpool supporter. He also enjoys going to the gym, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. When it’s time to unwind, he loves playing his PS5 or watching a new show!​

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Latest Publications

Payet, J. M., Stevens, L., Russo, A. M., Jaehne, E. J., van den Buuse, M., Kent, S., … 

Hale, M. W. (2023). The role of dorsal raphe nucleus serotonergic systems in emotional learning and memory in male BALB/c mice. Neuroscience, 534, 1-15.

 

Russo, A. M., Payet, J. M., Kent, S., Lesku, J. A., Lowry, C. A., & Hale, M. W. (2022). Acute treatment with 5-hydroxytryptophan increases social approach behaviour but does not activate serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus in juvenile male BALB/c mice: A model of human disorders with deficits of sociability. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(7), 806–818.

 

Payet, J. M., Wilson, K.-E., Russo, A. M., Angiolino, A., Kavanagh-Ryan, W., Kent, S., … Hale, M. W. (2021). Involvement of dorsal raphe nucleus serotonergic systems in social approach-avoidance behaviour and in the response to fluoxetine treatment in peri-adolescent female BALB/c mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 408, 113268.

 

Russo, A. M., Lawther, A. J., Prior, B. M., Isbel, L., Somers, W. G., Lesku, J. A., … Hale, M. W. (2019). Social approach, anxiety, and altered tryptophan hydroxylase 2 activity in juvenile BALB/c and C57BL/6J mice. Behavioural Brain Research, 359, 918–926.

 

Payet, J. M., Burnie, E., Sathananthan, N. J., Russo, A. M., Lawther, A. J., Kent, S., … Hale, M. W. (2018). Exposure to acute and chronic fluoxetine has differential effects on sociability and activity of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus of juvenile male BALB/c mice. Neuroscience, 386, 1–15.