I worked in the field of clinical psychology within the NHS (National Health Service) for 10 years and have also worked as a Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist in a low-secure psychiatric hospital for children and adults.
As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist I have extensive experience of assessing, diagnosing and working therapeutically with adults, children and families across the ability spectrum; specifically those with disorders such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and generalised learning disabilities, (e.g. Down’s Syndrome), with my clinical practice being influenced by systemic family therapy.
Over the last 20 years, I have been involved in the assessment of approximately 4,000 children and young adults for the above disorders. This includes working with children with Autism and profound learning difficulties in a residential school setting, who presented with extremely challenging behaviour, and with adults and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, co-morbid mental health difficulties and, at times, a forensic history who are detained under the Mental Health Act. I specialise in working with families with complex needs and/or very challenging behaviour.
I have considerable experience working with adults with learning difficulties, personality disorders, schizophrenia and neuro-developmental difficulties such as Autism, including those who have a forensic history or who have offended. This has led to acquiring extensive experience in the assessment and diagnosis of both children and adults with Autism, and experience in the management of challenging behaviour within this client group. I have worked with women with a dual diagnosis of Personality Disorder and Autism, leading to a particular interest in the parenting capacity of women with mental health and/or neuro-developmental difficulties.
My areas of assessment and report writing include:
