Registered Principal Clinical Psychologist:
(BSc, MSc, DClinPsych)
Prior to completing my training in Clinical Psychology at Newcastle University in 2001, I worked as a Clinical Research Associate at Newcastle University on an international collaborative study of autism.
Following qualification, I worked for over 20 years in North East Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Alongside generic CAMHS work, I established a multi-disciplinary pathway for assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions and provided interventions to children with autism spectrum difficulties and neurodiversity, including co-occurring conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mental health conditions, tic disorders and global and specific learning disabilities.
I have further specialist training in autism specific assessment tools, such as the Autism Diagnostic Interview and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule for which I am an accredited trainer. I am also trained in using other psychometric and standardised measures involved in differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions including the Infant Care Index.
I have also delivered a number of parent and child intervention programmes including the National Autistic Society licensed Early Bird Plus Programme, the Beating Anxiety Together Programme, Webster Stratton Incredible Years, Triple P Parenting Programme, and Mellow Parenting Programme. I am also a qualified CBT therapist and have an interest in using adapted CBT strategies with children, young people and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions.
I am passionate about working with neurodiverse children, young people and adults to help provide a better understanding of any difficulties and enable access to appropriate supports, particularly where neurodiversity may often be “missed” due to “atypical” presentations (such as in girls and women).