Having worked as a primary school teaching assistant for many years with children that had undiagnosed and unidentified learning disorders, preventing them from having a happy and successful school life, I decided that I wanted to gain a more in depth understanding of learning challenges, and the teaching strategies that can be implemented so that more children can go on and achieve their full academic potential. 

Returning to education as a mature student, I gained a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at Coventry University in 2020 and then followed this with a Master of Science degree in Applied Psychology in 2021. 

I had previously completed a student placement at Help for Psychology in 2019 to gain more knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions and to experience diagnostic assessments. This time enabled me to observe some outstanding professionals and further my understanding of the Autism Spectrum condition, the Pathological Demand Avoidance profile, and Developmental Trauma Disorders.

I joined the Help for Psychology team in 2020 working as part of a multidisciplinary team in the diagnostic assessment of neurodevelopmental conditions, specialising in the early identification of learning disorders and assessing cognitive ability.  I advocate the importance of early screening for learning disorders such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia. I am passionate about promoting awareness of how individuals with ADHD or a PDA profile may find learning more challenging, when the need to move or concentrate is too strong, or the demand too challenging, with an aim to recommend strategies that can make learning easier. This can ease the stress and anxiety around being in school.

I still have an enthusiasm to continue my learning, and have a keen interest in research. My master’s dissertation explored the cognitive development of children who experienced early life trauma. The rationale for this study was to highlight the requirement for trauma informed teaching practices and more support for children’s mental well being in school – Stressed children can not learn!

I am currently applying for the clinical psychology doctorate.