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About Us
When you first contact The Autism Pathway, you will be greeted with a warm welcome by one of our core team. This includes Maddie Palmer and Rita Pinto Rodrigues. Dr Kuly Heer is our Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead who has lived experience of neurodivergence. She oversees all assessments.
Our Story
We are thrilled to share that at The Autism Pathway, we are committed to delivering exceptional autism and ADHD assessments that are NICE-compliant and of the highest quality. Our approach is neuroaffirmative, which means we celebrate autism/ADHD as a unique way of experiencing the world rather than a 'disorder'. We prioritise individual 'differences', 'preferences', and 'needs', and steer clear of using negative terms like 'deficits'. Our team is led by a neurodivergent Clinical Lead who champions compassionate and respectful assessments and diagnoses. We value all types of differences and pride ourselves on inclusive practices.
We hope we can support you or your loved one navigate your/their assessment journeys.
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Why Choose The Autism Pathway?
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Accepted by Public Services
Our assessments are NICE-Compliant. They are accepted by the NHS, Schools, the Department of Education and Employers (employer-dependent).
No Waiting List
We do not have a waiting list. As far as possible, we aim to book your first appointment within two weeks.
No Hidden Fees
We do not have any hidden or extra fees. All our fees are given in our invoice and can be found on our assessments page.
Timely Assessments to fit Around You
We understand how stressful waiting for an assessment can be and appreciate how important getting assessed is for the people we work with. At the Autism Pathway, seeing you as quickly as possible is our priority.
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We will respond to your initial query within 24 hours and begin the assessment process within 2 weeks of your booking with us.
Inclusive and Affirming Assessments
All our assessments are completed respectfully and individually to ensure all experiences are valued and accepted. This includes BAME (Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority) and LGBTQIA+ experiences. We will work with you to explore important aspects of your identity and how you feel they may/may not relate to autism.
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Choice and Flexibility
We want our assessments to be accessible to everyone. We offer payment plans to help spread the cost (please get in touch to find out more). We offer remote assessments to individuals 14 years and over. We will work with you to overcome any barriers that might make it hard for you to access an assessment (e.g. anxiety, location, environmental issues). Call us to find out how we can support you.
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Working with Different Presentations of Autism
Autism is regarded as a spectrum. Every person's experience is unique and valid. With this in mind, we will consider how different presentations of autism (e.g. PDA, Masking, Camoflauging) may impact an assessment. Our clinicians are also highly experienced in Female Presentations of autism.
Our Team
Dr Kuly Heer
Neurodivergent ​Clinical Psychologist
(BSc; DClinPsy; PhD; HCPC)
Maddie Palmer
Senior Assistant Psychologist
(BSc)
Rita Pinto Rodrigues
Pathway Coordinator
(BSc)
I have worked for the NHS for over nine years. I holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a PhD. I am trained in the ADOS, ADi-r, ACIA & MIGDAS. I oversees all assessments. Being neurodiverse, I adopt a kind and compassionate approach to assessments. Special Interests: Cats and Crafts
I have worked within autism diagnostic services for several years. I complete screening calls and talks with individuals wanting to pursue an assessment. I adopt a compassionate and friendly communication style. I support individuals through every step of their assessment with The Autism Pathway. Special Interests: Disney and Moomins ​
I handle all your questions and queries. I am the first point of contact when you get in touch with The Autism Pathway. I will support you to navigate the process and ensure you are informed and involved at every step. Special Interests: Cosy games & Fantasy fiction
Helen Fisher
Advanced Speech and Language Therapist; BSc; HCPC; RCSLT
Dr Connie Newcombe
Neurodivergent Clinical Psychologist
(BSc; DClinPsy)
Dr Charlotte Grahame
Clinical Psychologist
(BSc; DClinPsy)
I feel very fortunate to have worked with neurodivergent people across the lifespan for 20 years (children, young people, and adults) in the NHS, private healthcare, education, and justice sectors. I love to collaborate, listen to others’ experiences, and feel genuinely privileged to be able to amplify voices and support people in making sense of their own experiences. I am trained in ADOS, ADI-R, ACIA, MIGDAS, and DIVA. Specialist interests: disability rights, health, and wellbeing.
I have worked with people across the age span. I started my career working in dementia services and then moving to specialist schools for children with learning disabilities and/or autism. I have worked in the NHS for six years so far and "I truly wake up and look forward to going to work! I’m trained in the ADI-r, ADOS and ACIA and am always genuinely curious to hear about other people's lives and experiences". Special Interests: Yoga and Musicals
I am a Clinical Psychologist who works at The Autism Pathway and the NHS. I have experience working with neurodiverse children and adults. I am trained in the ADI-r and ACIA. People say I am warm, experienced and great with children. Special Interests: Health & Well-being
Helen Brian
Neuroaffirmative Occupational Therapist (BSc; MSc; Postgraduate training in
Sensory Integration; HCPC)
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Debbie Shepherdson
​Occupational Therapist
(BA; BSc; HCPC)
Tania Fox
​Consultant Clinical NeuroPsychologist
(BSc; MS; HCPC)
I have worked as an Occupational Therapist in NHS, education, community, and residential settings for 20 years. I completed further postgraduate studies in Sensory Integration and am a qualified Sensory Integration Practitioner. I am trained in the ADOS, ADI-r, and ACIA. I am passionate about my work and ensures that all my assessments are completed with care and compassion. Special Interests: Swimming and Travel"
I have worked with Neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults in mainstream and special needs settings and those with mental health needs. I am trained in the ADOS, ACIA and ADI-r. I makes people feel at ease so that they can comfortably discuss their experiences and needs. ​ Special Interests: Dogs and Dimsum
I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 1998 and worked with a Specialist Child Development Team within the NHS until 2018 when I moved to work in a specialist autism team in the charity sector. Special interests: swimming and walking