Autism Assessments
We are pleased to be able to offer autism assessments for all ages. Assessments are conducted using the gold standard assessments and follow the NICE guidelines and the NHS operational guidance for autism assessments. Assessments are completed with a multi disciplinary team, with each assessment having at least 3 specialist practitioners as part of the assessment. We use the DSM-5 criteria as our diagnostic criteria.
Maddisyn English – Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Hi, I’m Maddisyn (Maddi) English, a speech and language therapist. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of neurodivergent people and have a passion for supporting people to better understand their neurodivergence. I enjoy delivering relevant training to patients, family, teachers, carers, and workplaces on various diagnoses and their impact on day-to-day functioning. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from Southern Cross University, Australia, I have gone on to work in hospitals and educational settings on both sides of the globe. I have undertaken placements at Innisfail Hospital and Ipswich Hospital in Australia, worked at Brisbane Catholic Education (a network of 141 schools in Australia), and since moving to the United Kingdom, I worked as a speech and language therapist at a specialist Autism Spectrum Condition school before opening up my own private practice, Onyx Therapy!
Esme Platt – Independent Social Worker
Hi, name is Esme Platt and I set up SEND Support Banbury Ltd in 2022 because SEND has very much been part of my family’s life when my eldest son was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorder 9 years ago. My younger son is also autistic with a demand avoidant profile and I was most recently diagnosed autistic at the age of 36. I provide expert witness reports for the first-tier tribunal (special educational needs & disabilities). I am licensed to conduct Parent Access parenting assessments which is a specialist parenting assessment for parents that live with a learning disability or additional needs such an trauma, domestic abuse, poor mental health, exploitation or alcohol or drug misuse. In addition to this I conduct autism assessments privately for people that are presenting with autistic characteristics as part of a multi-disciplinary
Dr Fiona Desira – Clinical Psychologist
Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Desira, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I have over 15 years’ experience working with children, young people and families in the UK and overseas. I am very passionate about Neurodevelopment, with a particular special interest in Autism.
For the last 15 years I have supported many families through the complex diagnostic process and beyond. I pride myself on providing high quality, best practice assessment as part of a multi-disciplinary team and have spent the last 15 years developing and leading diagnostic services. I strongly believe in neuroaffirming practice, ensuring strength-based assessments and providing post-diagnostic support to individuals and families that fosters the development of a positive neurodivergent identity.
I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Northumbria University (2003) and master’s degree in Health Psychology from Teesside University (2004) and qualified with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Teesside University in 2009. Since qualifying, I worked in the NHS and private practice in the UK, before moving to the United Arab Emirates where I worked in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I returned to the UK in 2024 and am excited to work as part of the team providing high quality multidisciplinary assessments.
In addition to working directly with families, I enjoy teaching and training and am particularly passionate about my role as an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) trainer.
Dr Rebecca Andrews – Clinical Psychologist
I am a mum to three children, with a special interest and experience providing professional, approachable and respectful psychology services to children and families.
Qualifying in 2014 I have an office base in The Forest of Dean and also travel within Gloucestershire, Bristol, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Birmingham and Wales. I provide remote support as well across the country. I provide psychological services including Psychological Assessments, Consultancy, Therapy, Training and Supervision. I work within schools, care settings, hospitals, LA’s, NHS, charities and private organisations.
I have a wealth of experience working with complex cases, families, children and adults within the family home, within services, educational and residential settings. I specialise in working with neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities, social emotional and behavioural needs, physical health needs and mental health presentations.
The role of a psychologist is to promote individualised psychological, emotional health and wellbeing; I strive to help children and families to understand these elements as they are integral to how we think, feel and behave and impact on how life affects us and how well we are able to cope, engage and to make informed choices.
Dr Jessica Moreland – Clinical Psychologist
Dr Jess Moreland (BSC hons, DClin Psy) is a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist who has worked for the NHS since 2001. She has practiced as a qualified Clinical Psychologist supporting children, young people and their families since 2007. She is registered with the HCPC, the Practitioner Psychologist’s governing body.
Jess specialises in the assessment and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions including ASD and ADHD. She has extensive experience in providing mental health care and behaviour support to children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions (Learning Disabilities, ASD and ADHD) having spent the majority of her career working in LD CAMHS.
She currently works in an ASD assessment service in the NHS alongside private practice.
Onyx Therapy 