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I am a Child & Adolescent Psychologist with special interests in ASD and ADHD Assessments and Treatments. I work in a multi-disciplinary team in an NHS Trust in the Community Paediatric Services - Children Medical Services as a Clinical Psychologist. I have over 30 years combined experience working with children of all age groups (0 - 25 years) in educational, medical and mental health settings. I qualified as a Teacher in 1987 following my late parents' foot steps. However, while on teaching practices I always found myself in the psychology departments learning how to psychoanalyse children's learning styles, their understanding of concepts and difficulties they may encounter, my knowledge and understanding of my teaching styles to ensure my students are comfortable in my classroom. I became the attraction for the role of a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in schools I worked in and worked closely with exemplary Senior Staff, before I became a Qualified Teacher. I realised then that my career interests were more related to Psychological diagnostic systems and bespoke interventions with a teaching element.

I returned to the UK in 1990 and was immediately appointed as a SENCO in a very challenging environment and that is where my journey began exploring my area of interest in psychology and counselling and catering for over 300 pupils with emotional and challenging behaviours. To enhance my teaching and mental health knowledge and understanding I have undertaken various training in Educational and Therapeutic Psychology studies since 1991 (i.e. Counselling Psychology; Advanced Diploma in Education (Psychology) specialising in the diagnostic and treatment of Coordination Disorders - Dyspraxia; Assessment and Treatment of Dyslexia; Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties; MSc in Psychological Assessments in Organisations; Forensic Psychology; Psychopathology of Mental Health; to mention but a few).

I have taught children with Special Educational Needs in Mainstream and Special Schools while focusing on their medical, mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders from Foundation Stage to Secondary school age. These opportunities have given me an insight in understanding the variations of neurodevelopmental disorders, the difficulties children experience on a day to day in different environments, during their developmental stages and how to identify, assess and develop bespoke treatment programmes, that trains them self regulatory and coping skills and prepare them for adulthood. This is why I enjoy working with children, young people and their families.

I am an Accredited ADOS-2 and ADI-R Clinician, currently assessing and diagnosing under 5 children and aiming to reduce the NHS waiting lists post COVID, while completing my PhD research study in ADHD diagnostic systems and the correlation with a Cognitive Assessment tool - Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth UK Edition (WISC - V), for children and young people. I assess and provide bespoke therapeutic interventions. I have excellent problem-solving skills in my clinics that provide my patients and their families feel supported and empowered. I have lectured Teacher Trainees and the ADHD in the classroom topic to Psychology, Sociology and Criminology Undergraduates, at Goldsmith College: London University, London South Bank University and London Metropolitan University, respectively and contributed to the Universities' Examination Boards.

With my educational and psychology background, I have 8 years work experience in SEND Local Authorities as a Senior Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator handling case loads of over 200 children and young people with SEND. Due to my additional qualifications in legal studies and an Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator and Family Mediator, (Member of London School of Mediation and ADR), I was promoted to the most Senior, challenging and rewarding roles as SEND Mediator & Tribunal Officer in several prestigious Local Authorities including Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. In my capacity in these roles I have enhanced my legal understanding in working with children and young people with medical, mental health, neurodiversity disorders and special educational needs. My philosophy is that Every Child Matters so identifying their difficulties earlier in their lives and providing them with the tools they need to gain life skills enables them to become independent, grow and thrive.

I have developed extensive interest and experience in the following conditions:

Assessments and Treatment Plans:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessments and Treatment Plans
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia
• Anxiety
• Eating Disorders
• Sleeping Disorders

Assessments are administered in single clinics or jointly, that is, in a face-to-face clinic, telephone and/or online sessions with a psychologist and psychiatrist, respectively. However, post diagnostic treatments and other treatment sessions can be provided both online and/or face-to-face, tailored for the individual needs. During the assessment sessions, I am guided by the NICE Guidelines and the DSM-5 to ensure that my assessment and treatment plans incorporate relevant Questionnaires that involve all adults working directly with the child or young person and promote a multi-disciplinary decision making team. I will take patients' parents requests into consideration, however, it is imperative to also accept that my professional advice will be based on my assessment and experience. I use a comprehensive observation process, comprising of standardised assessment tools that produce specific results which will determine a particular diagnosis to enable me to report to clients and their parents and provide relevant recommendations for an individualised treatment plan.

The Assessment Process:

1. Initial Assessment (Consultation) online or face-to-face to establish any possible condition that may describe your concerns.
2. Initial Assessment forms to be completed and returned at least 3 days before the clinic. The psychologist will review the information provided beforehand.
3. After the Initial Assessment, the psychologist will produce a report (within 2 to 4 weeks), which you can share with your GP, the patient's school and any other professionals you consent to share with.
4. If a full standardised assessment is required following the Initial Assessment, the date for the clinic will be determined and a full assessment is administered in-person. A psychological diagnostic report is produced (within 2 to 4 weeks) which will be shared with the multi-disciplinary team, i.e., the joint psychiatrist for a complete assessment to take place, particularly for ASD and ADHD.
5. Assessment for ASD will require an ADOS-2 Assessment, 60 minutes long with a brief feedback. this assessment is allocated for at least 90 minutes.
6. Assessment for ADHD will require series of assessments, face-to-face, completion of standardised questionnaires by parents and school / college. Face-to-face assessments are allocated 90 minutes each.
7. Once the full diagnostic assessment has been completed, there is an option to book for a Post-diagnostic feedback only or a review with a treatment plan.
8. If there are no requirements for a post-diagnostic feedback and review, the psychologist will discharge the patient.

I look forward to providing you and your child well-deserved services.