**Please contact us for a free 15 minute initial telephone consultation**
Autism Unpicked®
Neuroaffirmative Autism assessments for children and young adults aged 7-25
South Yorkshire (e.g., Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham),
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Manchester
England, UK
**NEW - combined Autism and ADHD assessments for children aged 7-17years starting January 2025. Screening and initial consultations available now - please contact us here. Website updates coming soon**
Plus post-diagnostic support and training and consultations for schools, workplaces and businesses
Meet the Team
The specialist team includes Clinical Psychologists (Alex, Liz, Tasha) and Specialist Speech and Language Therapists (Kathryn and Gemma) who have significant Autism and neurodevelopmental assessment experience in NHS assessment teams.
We are all registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council (HCPC) - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/
Meet the team below
Hi, I’m Alex, Co-owner of Autism Unpicked. I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience assessment experience and I am trained in using gold standard assessments with children and adults including ADOS-2, ADI-R, ACIA, MIGDAS-2, Conners 4. In the NHS, my experience has included Autism and ADHD assessments, delivering training, supervising others, offering advice to other services and teams. In addition, working with autistic people, their families and young people with a Learning Disability and other differences such as ADHD as well as those with eating disorders and neurodivergence.
I am also a Lecturer on a Doctor of Clinical Psychology course and have published award winning research relating to women's experiences of Autism, and the experiences of brothers and sisters. I am passionate about supporting the needs of young people and their families and recognising those needs early so people can understand themselves more and any support can be offered in a timely manner.
Dr Alexandra Leedham
Clinical Lead
Clinical Psychologist
HCPC number - PYL36840
Dr Elizabeth Benson
Clinical Lead
Clinical Psychologist
HCPC number - PYL039781
Hi, I’m Liz, Co-owner of Autism Unpicked. I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years experience working in the NHS with children, young people and families. I have worked in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and Child Development Psychology Services undertaking Autism assessments. I am experienced with both Autism and ADHD and I am trained in the use of gold standard child and adult assessment tools, such as the ADOS-2 and the ACIA.
My training background has skilled me up to use a range of psychological models and have further post-graduate qualifications in CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy). I highly value a thorough psychological understanding of people's differences and difficulties, and I am passionate about recognising strengths, valuing individualism and working together to achieve potential.
Kathryn Jones
Specialist Speech and
Language Therapist
HCPC number - SL21090
Hello, I’m Kathryn, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with Autism Unpicked. I have over 15 years’ experience as an NHS Speech and Language Therapist supporting children and young people with a wide range of communication difficulties. I conduct communication-based assessments and social communication observations to inform the Autism assessment process. I am also ADOS-2 trained.
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I have a Masters of Medical Science in Clinical Communication Studies and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Autism. I am committed to promoting the Autistic voice and ensuring children and young people receive the support they need to develop the aspects of communication that are important to them.
Dr Tasha Jones
Principal Clinical Psychologist
HCPC number - PYL32261
Hi, I’m Tasha. I am a Principal Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in the assessment and support of autistic young people. I have significant experience in Autism assessment using gold standard assessments that I am trained in (e.g. ADOS-2).
I am passionate about providing person-centred post diagnostic support to young people and their families that promotes their unique strengths and skills, alongside recognising any areas of need or difference.
Gemma Beasley
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
HCPC number - SL28165
Hello, I’m Gemma, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with Autism Unpicked.
Since qualifying as a therapist in 2009, I have worked in the NHS in providing support and assessment to children, young people and their families covering a range of communication needs. I am experienced in Autism assessment and am ADOS-2 trained. I believe in supporting children and young people to reach their goals and aspirations, and in recognising strengths in individuality.