Nichola is a qualified and registered Social Worker with the SSSC. Nichola graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2018. Prior to this Nichola supported autistic adults, helping them to meet their potential for around 14 years. Nichola has worked with people of all ages and has experience of supporting people who face adversity.
Nichola has a strong passion for helping neurodivergent people feel validated and listened to. She has a special interest in masking behaviours and the more subtle autism presentations. Nichola uses her clinical knowledge alongside her colleagues to analyse the assessment information. Considering a holistic view of people’s experiences to help formulate a robust person-centred diagnostic decision adhered to the NHS NICE Guidelines for a Gold Standard assessment.
Nichola is a fully qualified in ADOS 2, ADI-R, MIGDAS-2 and ACIA with experience of administering autism diagnostic assessments for ages 5 years plus, both online and face to face. Nichola has also completed diagnostic training for ADHD with knowledge of the ACE and DIVA assessment tools
When not working Nichola likes to spend time with her cats Obi and Otis, her partner and family, planning city breaks or at the gym.
Dr Karla Headon is a Chartered Practitioner Psychologist with specialist expertise in the assessment and diagnosis of autism, as well as in adapting psychological therapies to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals.
With extensive experience working with adults, Karla has a particular interest in autism in females, especially in relation to mental health and the experiences of those diagnosed later in life. Committed to a neuro-affirmative approach, Karla strives to ensure that all interventions are client-centred, respectful, and deeply attuned to the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
Siobhan is a Specialist Neurodevelopmental Practitioner with 30 years of experience in healthcare. She has extensive expertise in conducting all-age neurodevelopmental assessments, including ADOS, ADIR, and ACIA for autism diagnosis. With a background in specialist community public health (health visiting) and adult nursing, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families with diverse needs.
In addition to autism assessments, Siobhan has experience identifying co-occurring conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, anxiety, depression, and attachment difficulties. She remains committed to continuous professional development, regularly attending training and updating her knowledge to ensure the highest standard of care. She has a particular interest in sleep and behaviour, recognising their significant impact on neurodevelopmental well-being.
Her passion for autism advocacy is both professional and personal, shaped by her lived experience as a parent to two autistic children. This dual perspective informs her commitment to ensuring that every individual receives the recognition, understanding, and support they deserve.
Beyond her professional work, Siobhan enjoys reading, gardening, and travelling—interests that contribute to a well-rounded and compassionate approach to her practice.
Shirley worked within Health and Social care for many years before moving on to become a senior social worker within an adult duty team. She has both lived and professional experience of Autism and ADHD.
Shirley has worked with a wide range of neurodivergent clients, and those who have learning difficulties/disabilities, mental health conditions, and physical disabilities. During this time, she worked closely with parents, health professionals, education staff and other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for her clients. Shirley developed a particular interest in Autism and ADHD and enjoys delivering assessments in a neuro-affirming way, working with the strengths of the child or adult.
Shirley continues to develop her skills in the assessment of Autism and ADHD and enjoys working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with the child or adult at the centre of the diagnostic process. In her spare time, Shirley enjoys walking her dog, and loves spending time with her family, reading or going for countryside walks.
If you are an experienced and regulated neurodevelopmental practitioner and are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, and adults with neurodevelopmental differences through timely autism assessments, we would love to hear from you.
National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance states only suitably trained clinicians can assess and diagnose autism. Our assessment pathway meets all NICE guidance to ensure best practice and robust autism assessments. You can find full NICE guidance here:
Overview | Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
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