Autism Assessments and Support
My experience of autism started in 1985 when I volunteered at a school, run by the Hampshire Autistic Society, supporting children and young people on the autism spectrum. Since then my understanding of autism and my professional development has continued on a learning trajectory which has led me to becoming excellent at assessing the needs of children, young people, adults, and their families, where autism and related difficulties are a key issue.
As a neurodiverse woman myself, professionally I bring with me a depth of insight and am very astute at identifying the needs of each person I assess. I fully appreciate the distress and trauma families experience when they are not provided the care and support which is needed. I have an MA in Autism; my research and dissertation focused on gaining a person-centred perspective on the social care needs of older adults on the autism spectrum.
I am the appointed Social Care Advisor for the PDA Society. I have recently been commissioned by the British Association of Social Workers to write practice guidance for social workers, specific to the issue of Fabricated or Induced Illness.