About Us
We are an integrated psychology and psychiatry team with extensive experience and specialist expertise in the assesment of neurodiversity in children and adolescents.
We offer a range of neurodevelopmental assessments looking at possible differences in three key areas of development:
Social interaction and communication [consideration of the autism spectrum]
Attention and impulse control [consideration of ADHD / ADD]
Cognitive and learning abilities [consideration of specific learning difficulties including dyslexia]
Our Approach
- We know that every neurodivergent individual is different
- Our aim is to achieve a positive and nuanced understanding for the child or young person and their family, providing the best possible basis for effective recommendations and reducing the potential for longer term challenges
- We keep up to date with current research and practice to ensure that we always conform with standards of best clinical practice
- We are a specialist assessment service with some capacity to offer additional short-term follow-up consultation if requested. We will always try to direct you to other specialists for ongoing treatment or support where this is indicated
Who We Are
Qualifications:
- BA (Hons) Experimental Psychology; Oxford University
- DClinPsy; King’s College, University of London
- PhD; King’s College, University of London
- Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Neuropsychology; University College London; awarded Distinction
- BPS DoN Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology – Paediatric (QiCN)
Accreditations:
- Practitioner member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Member of the British Psychological Society [Chartered Psychologist]
- Member of the BPS Division of Neuropsychology
- Member of the Association of Clinical Psychologists (ACP-UK)
ADOS-2 trained [Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Edition]
About Dr Newsom-Davis
I am a clinical psychologist and paediatric neuropsychologist with more than twenty years’ experience in the assessment of children and young people with neurodevelopmental and learning differences. Most of my NHS career was spent at Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH) where I still hold an honorary contract.
I initially thought I would study medicine, but then realised I was really more interested in brains than bodies…and decided I should apply for psychology instead. My studies began with an undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology at Oxford University, where I was awarded the Nuffield Scholarship for Science. This was followed by doctoral clinical psychology training (DClinPsy) at the Institute of Psychiatry, and a PhD in medical psychology, awarded in 2004.
I made an early decision to work in paediatric neurodevelopment, securing a role at GOSH after qualifying, where I specialised in assessment of neurodivergence and rare disorders. I also spent five years in a community CAMHS team before returning to GOSH, where I was appointed consultant clinical psychologist in 2016, leading the Trust’s neurodevelopmental psychology team. After five busy years, I decided to move into an honorary consultant role, whilst developing an independent practice.
I am lucky to be the mother of three young adults and feel grateful that the challenges and rewards of that experience has added another dimension to my clinical practice.
I am now professionally based in both London and Somerset.
About Dr Susan Walker
I am a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist specialising in the assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum condition (ASC). I have
held an Honorary Consultant Post at Great Ormond Street Hospital for the last 7 years, working primarily in the National Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Service supporting in the identification and treatment of mental health difficulties and neurodevelopmental conditions. I have recently completed a PhD in child and adolescent mental health, funded by a prestigious National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Fellowship.
Not quite knowing what I wanted to do after finishing school after doing A Levels in science and arts subjects, I first did a French and English degree at the University of Leeds. I then completed an MPhil in European Literature at the University of Cambridge, before eventually realising that I actually wanted to be a doctor. I gained a place on the Graduate Entry Medicine Course at St Georges Hospital Medical School and graduated in 2007 with a distinction. I completed my foundation training in South West London, before specialising in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and joining the GOSH/Royal London Hospital training scheme in 2013.
I feel very fortunate to have a job that I enjoy so much and am passionate about improving the mental health of children and young people.
When I’m not at work I like watching films with my family, reading, coming home after the gym, and walking our dog.
Maintenance of professional insurance, DBS certification, GDPR regulations, statutory and mandatory training and continuing professional development [CPD] are a requirement of my HCPC registration and honorary contract with GOSH NHS Foundation Trust.