Autism - Therapy
I am highly skilled in understanding and working with individuals who are diagnosed or identify as autistic. In therapy I will collaborate with you to find an approach that perfectly suits your communication style.
I deeply appreciate the challenges that can come with engaging in therapy, and I am committed to tailoring our sessions to meet your specific needs. This may include accommodations such as shorter sessions, utilising asynchronous communication, maintaining a low sensory environment, not being on camera and encourage you to know that this a safe and supportive space to engage in self-regulating movements (such as stimming).
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Together, we can navigate significant experiences like receiving an autism diagnosis and explore the emotions that may arise. We can understand what an autistic identity means for you personally, make sense of earlier experiences as well as navigating futures.
I can work with you as an individual or you may want want a safe person to attend with you.
I understand the couple relationship where there may be differences within your communication together as explained by the "double empathy theory", therapy can help improve understanding and communication within the couple relationship. I also work with families in which neurodivergence may bring its own unique differences, and where therapy can help build relationships through better understanding and communication.
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My approach is rooted in positive and affirming practice, celebrating differences and recognising the uniqueness that each of us brings.
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Autism Assessments
I am experienced and qualified to deliver neuroaffirmative autism assessments. I believe in delivering services that are respectful, empowering, and truly reflective of each individual's unique experiences and needs.
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I work with a team of clinicians from various specialities to ensure that your assessment aligns with NICE guidance. We use approved assessment tools, ensuring that our evaluations meet the standards required for acceptance by local authorities. Assessment tools include: Questionnaires, ADOS, ADI-R and we utilise additional tools which can help understand more subtle presentations.
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I will meet with you online to collaborate with you to gain an understanding of your life experiences and developmental trajectory and we will complete an observation appointment. A clinician will meet with someone that knows you well to complete a detailed developmental trajectory (often this may be a parent or someone who knew you well as a child). We will also try to gain information from schools/ colleges to help us to gain more detailed information.​
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The clinicians involved will meet together and review all information. I will then meet with you to inform you of the outcome of the assessments and to consider recommendations for further assessment, differential diagnosis as well as strategies and supports that may be specifically help to you and communicating partners. In the team of staff that I collaborate with there are skilled clinicians who are trained in ADHD. It may be possible to complete a joint ADHD and autism assessment. Please add this to the referral form if this is required.
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All of the clinicians that I collaborate with have a passion for this work which stems from a deep understanding of neurodiversity and a desire to offer compassionate, personalised care that honours the individuality of those we meet.
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