Services for Individuals | England

Screening and assessment for neurodivergent conditions

Specific learning difficulties (SpLD) and neurodevelopmental conditions include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia (DCD) and dyscalculia. They affect people differently and impact how individuals work, study and live. Read more about specific neurodivergent conditions.

If you consider yourself neurodivergent or have traits associated with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia (DCD) or dyscalculia, working with an occupational psychologist can help you gain insight and clarity about your strengths and the challenges you face related to your neurodivergence. I can help you develop the confidence to embrace your unique capabilities and develop strategies for things that you might find difficult.

I offer a range of assessments for adults, from screening to full diagnosis.

You may:

already have a diagnosis of a condition or multiple conditions;
be waiting for an NHS referral or diagnosis;
consider yourself neurodivergent but not have a diagnosis;
not know how to get started.

Feel free to contact me for an initial conversation to explore how I might be able to help you, whatever point you are at in your journey.

Use these links to find out more:

Neurodivergent conditions

The Process

My coaching approach

Support for Individuals

Neurodivergent conditions

My services include the screening and assessment of specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) and neurodivergent conditions.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that typically results in problems with reading and writing, ranging from mild to severe. It is caused by difficulties with processing and remembering information, which can affect how you learn and develop literacy skills. It can also impact coordination, organisational skills and memory. 10% of the population are estimated to be dyslexic. It usually runs in families and can often co-occur with other neurodivergent traits and conditions.

I offer initial screening to full diagnosis for dyslexia.

What is dyslexia? (British Dyslexia Association)

Dyspraxia (DCD)

Dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), can affect your movement and co-ordination. This could include your balance, spatial awareness, and gross or fine motor skills. Children may experience difficulties with self-care, writing, typing, riding a bike and play. In adulthood many of these difficulties may continue and lead to problems with time management, planning and organisation which can impact how you work, study in educational settings, and the way you learn new skills such as driving a car, doing DIY, or taking part in sports and physical activities.

I offer initial screening to full diagnosis for dyspraxia.

What is dyspraxia? (Movement Matters)

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a difficulty with understanding and processing numbers. You may be struggling with recognising and remembering numbers, or find counting and arithmetic a challenge. Dyscalculia is marked by the severity of difficulties a person experiences. Although many people consider themselves to have difficulties with maths, only a fraction of those are estimated to have dyscalculia, which is much more marked and severe. There is a notable overlap between those with dyslexia and those who have dyscalculia or other neurodivergent conditions.

I offer initial screening to full diagnosis for dyscalculia.

What is dyscalculia? (British Dyslexia Association)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

People with ADHD have persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impact their day-to-day functioning. You may have difficulty concentrating, following instructions or completing tasks. You may often feel restless, impatient or impulsive. Many people with ADHD also recognise it can have strengths, such as the ability to hyper focus and achieve a lot if they are interested in something, to be adaptable to people and situations, and being creative and empathetic.

I offer in-depth screening and assessment process for adults that evaluates the evidence that you may have ADHD by comparing your symptoms with the diagnostic criteria (DSM-5).

Please note, ADHD can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. As an occupational psychologist, I am not able to provide a formal medical diagnosis of ADHD. If the evidence is suggestive of autism, you would need to seek a referral to a qualified clinician (usually a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist). I partner with qualified clinicians to whom I can refer you if you are interested in seeking a formal diagnosis.

What is ADHD? (ADHD UK)

Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a developmental disability that affects how you communicate and interact with people and the world around you.

It can affect people in different ways but most often presents as difficulties with social communication and interaction, repetitive and restrictive behaviours, sensory sensitivity, highly-focused interests or hobbies, extreme anxiety and, sometimes, meltdowns or shutdowns.

I offer an in-depth screening and assessment service for adults that evaluates the evidence that you may be autistic. It will give you a detailed understanding of your potential strengths and challenges compared against the autism diagnostic criteria (DSM-5).

Please note, autism can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. As an occupational psychologist, I am not able to provide a formal medical diagnosis of autism. If the evidence is suggestive of autism, you would need to seek a referral to a qualified clinician (usually a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist). I partner with qualified clinicians to whom I can refer you if you are interested in exploring a formal diagnosis.

What is Austism? (National Autistic Society)

The process

My services are tailored to your individual circumstances and what you want to achieve.

The assessment and diagnosis processes can vary depending on your situation generally follows these steps:

All about you, including screening

All about you – initial screening

I’ll take the time to find out about your strengths and talents, and gather information from you about your health, your development and your background to look for initial evidence of dyslexia, dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder), dysgraphia, dyscalculia, as well as ADHD and autism. This is called a ‘developmental case history’.

During this step, some initial ‘screening’ assessments will be used, including some self-report questionnaires. The results help to determine how likely it is that your neurodivergent traits could be associated with a particular neurodivergent condition.

The results of the developmental case history and screening will indicate whether a full assessment or signposting to other services is appropriate. It can also rule out other possible explanations.

Full assessment

The full assessment provides in-depth results. The methods used will vary depending on the results of any screening tests and your developmental history (step 2) but would include the use of scientific diagnostic tests and assessments to identify traits of neurodivergent conditions and reach a diagnosis, where relevant.

Assessments may be completed in person or online depending on the circumstances.

Initial conversation

We’ll begin with a 30-minute confidential conversation about your reasons for seeking support, any relevant presenting issues or problems, and what you'd like to achieve.

Depending on your needs, I will explain the options for screening, full assessment or signposting. If you wish to progress, we will move on to step 2.

Fees

There is no charge for an initial conversation. Any resulting consultations and assessments are tailored to your individual needs with a fixed fee agreed in advance. Please get in touch for more information.

My coaching approach

You might want support in developing strategies to overcome challenges, bring your unique talents to the world in new ways, or to perform better at work. I can support you to achieve your aspirations.

I have coached a wide range of clients, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, from CEOs to students. I am supportive, compassionate and collaborative and offer insight, challenge, and alternative perspectives to help my clients consider new possibilities and build confidence and capabilities for the future.

I invest time in getting to know you and to understand your view of yourself and the world.

Each coaching programme I design with a client is carefully tailored to their needs and those of their sponsoring organisation, where relevant, drawing on a wide range of coaching methods, models, tools and skills grounded in experiential practice and training.

As a coach, my approach is personal, holistic, flexible and based on establishing a strong bond of mutual trust and respect with my client.

Smiling young businessman enjoying a positive conversation with a mature business partner

qualifications

Coaching Experience

I completed my executive coach training in 2006 while working as a psychologist for the BBC on a European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited programme. I subsequently trained as a coaching supervisor and supported other executive coaches in developing their coaching practice to help achieve better outcomes for their clients. Ever since I have continued to practice as a coach and been involved in training coaches by delivering coaching skills for leaders/managers courses in various organisations. Coaching is a skill that is never 'complete' and I actively continue to develop my coaching knowledge and skills through continuous professional development activities.

Over the years, especially recently, the number of neurodivergent clients I have worked with has increased. This has given me incredible learning opportunities and enabled me to support many wonderfully gifted people to progress on their unique paths through our rich coaching relationships and their dedication. Supporting those with a desire to develop and progress gives me huge satisfaction.