Autism Assessment Therapy and Training Services

Recommended Clinicians


Xaverine M A Bates

Psychodynamic Psychotherapist

About

“I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist and qualified with the British Psychotherapy Foundation (bpf) in 2024.

I am particularly interested in the challenges of living with neurodivergence, specifically autism and ADHD, in a society geared towards structures and ways of being suited to the neuromajority, and the mental health issues that can arise as a result, such as depression, anxiety, complex trauma, OCD, addiction etc.​ I take a neuroaffirmative approach, helping you navigate issues that may be holding you back from leading a full and creative life.”

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Camilla Ferraro

Integrative Psychotherapist, Registered Dietitian & writer

About

“I am a psychotherapist, registered dietitian and nutritionist, and I also love writing and speaking about topics I am a passionate about. My pronouns are she/her and I am neurodivergent.”

“The support and consulting services I offer are also neurodivergent-affirming, LGBTQ+ friendly, weight neutral, non-diet orientated, and client centred.”

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Karen Cowan

Neurodevelopmental Consultant, Assessor and Mentor 

About

“Karen Cowan is a Neurodevelopmental Consultant, Assessor, Mentor and Specialist Teacher, with 30 years of teaching experience and 6 years’ experience as SENCO.

Fully comprehensive cognitive assessments; Autism assessments ADI-R & ADOS-2; & SpLD Levels 5 & 7: dyslexia.

With a Neuro-affirming approach to her practice, Karen ensures that strengths are identified and unnecessary barriers to thriving are removed, in all areas of life: education, the workplace, at home and beyond.”

Website

Dr Joe White

Educational Psychologist

About

“Dr Joe White is an educational psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. He is also a chartered psychologist within the British Psychological Society.

Prior to qualifying as an educational psychologist, Dr Joe White gained Qualified Teacher Status and spent four valuable years working as teacher in a three-form, single-site primary school in Stockport, Greater Manchester. There, he taught Year 2, Year 4, and Year 6.

As an educational psychologist, Dr Joe White’s main interests include (but are not limited to):

  • The interaction between emotional wellbeing, school engagement, and attainment.
  • Cognition, learning, and specific learning difficulties;
  • Neurodiversity, including autism;
  • The interaction between emotional wellbeing, school engagement, and attainment.

Dr White is based in the North West of England, but also works across the country.

Through Fieldfare Psychology, he provides a small educational psychology service for independent commission by parents and carers, schools, and multi-academy trusts.”

Website

Louise Newton

Occupational Therapist, Clinical Director OT4me

About

Louise Newton brings extensive expertise to her role as Clinical Director, with a wealth of experience spanning community, hospital, and forensic mental health services. Her career has included working with a diverse range of clients, including children, individuals with learning disabilities, and those navigating mental health challenges.

A specialist in Ayres Sensory Integration® and an advocate for neurodiversity, Louise is skilled in diagnosing and supporting clients who are Autistic (including Pathological Demand Avoidance, PDA) and Dyspraxia. She has a particular talent for working with children and adolescents who present with complex profiles, providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs.

Louise is also highly experienced in tribunal work, offering vital support to families navigating this challenging process. She leads a large team of occupational therapists and administrative staff, fostering a culture of excellence through supervision, mentorship, and continued professional development.

Committed to lifelong learning, Louise stays at the forefront of her field by engaging in up-to-date, evidence-based training programs and mentoring others in advanced sensory integration techniques. Her dedication to supporting both clients and fellow practitioners is at the heart of her practice.

Website


Rachel Lowden

Autism and Neurodivergence Specialist

About

“We offer understanding, knowledge and support for teenagers and adults with an autism spectrum condition. If you are in need of therapy, training, courses, consultation or project work we would be delighted to hear from you. We are based in Hastings and Brighton.”

“Rachel Lowden (PGd in DramaTherapy, MSc) practices as an Autism and Neurodivergence Specialist delivering 1-1 Therapy, Training and Workshops in Creative and Body centred work.”

Website

Alison Kibble

Balanced Kids- Occupational Therapy 

About

“Balanced Kids provides child-centred occupational therapy to help children and young people reach their potential and lead fulfilling and independent lives. We work closely with families and schools to ensure that children are understood and supported in each of their environments.”

“Our approach is holistic and individually tailored. This ensures that therapy sessions are adapted and developed to address the child’s goals and fit with their family routine and culture.”

Website

Virginia Veruma

Clinical, Counselling & Educational Psychologist

About

“I am a Clinical, Counselling, and Educational Psychologist with extensive experience in supporting children, young people and families. With a focus on neuroaffirmative practices and tailored support, I provide evidence-based care to my clients, drawing from a versatile toolkit that includes CBT, person-centered therapy and play-based techniques.”

“I provide support both online and face-to-face in Twickenham.“

Website

Dr Michael Grant

Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and Health Tech Entrepreneur

About

“Dr Michael Grant is an experienced and well respected Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

Dr Grant’s area of special interest is Neurodiversity and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in young people including the fields of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Tourette Syndrome. His extensive experience in this field allows him to effectively assess and treat young people within this pathway employing a targeted and knowledgeable approach.”

Website

Dr Jo Black

Mental Healthcare Development Services 

About

“Providing Expert Consultancy Services. At Mental Healthcare Development, our mission is to drive positive change in the mental healthcare industry. With our extensive expertise and experience, we offer a range of consultancy services to help mental healthcare organizations grow, develop, and adapt to the evolving needs of their patients.”

Website

Sarah Bailey

NeuroDIVE

About

Sarah Bailey, a former Virtual School Headteacher, Primary Headteacher and Secondary SENCO and Inclusion lead has 20+ years experience in working closely with neurodivergent (diagnosed and identifying) adults and children and their supporting professionals, across the full range of educational and care contexts. 

Her passion is for developing child-centred, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming work that truly meets the needs of each unique person. Soon to be (October 2025)B an ICF Accredited coach, Sarah specialises in bespoke support of Neurodivergent clients, aiming to meet them where they are at and work towards what they need. 

Late diagnosed (Autistic and ADHD) earlier this year Sarah has spent the last 6 months as Co-Director of NeuroDIVE: a consultancy informed by combined professional and personal experience, bringing new perspectives to training in Education, Social Care and Fostering sectors. 

Sarah studied Psychology to postgrad level and is trained to Level 2 in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. She has an almost life-long fascination (or hyper-focus) with the idea that all behaviour is communication and truly believes that effective, relational practice lead to true inclusion for all.

Website

Autistic Girls Network

About

“We are a small registered charity working to support, educate, and bring change. We empower, support and provide community for autistic women, girls and their families, advocating for the change necessary to build in a world in which they can flourish on their own terms. We take pride in being autistic and neurodivergent-led, aiming to co-produce all our services with our community.”

Website

Eggtooth

 

About

“The South Coast’s leading creative wellbeing service for children, young people, parents, and professionals.  Based in Hastings, East Sussex, UK. As a not-for-profit enterprise we offer mental health support. Our services include 1-1 sessions, groups and creative projects.”

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