Clinical Lead

Dr. Yvonne Smith

Chartered Consultant Psychologist

Dr. Yvonne Smith is a Chartered Consultant Psychologist with over 25 years of specialised experience in neuropsychology and neurodevelopmental services. Her extensive career has focused on working with adults and young people affected by neurological conditions, acquired brain injuries, and complex medical or developmental disorders.

Dr. Smith has worked across a variety of NHS settings, including hospitals, community services, and specialist brain injury units. As the founder and lead clinician of this service, she brings a wealth of expertise in the diagnostic assessment of autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions in children, adolescents, and adults.

Throughout her career, Dr. Smith has developed a deep understanding of both neurodevelopmental and acquired neurological conditions. She is committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based diagnostic assessments and interventions, using the latest clinical tools and best-practice guidelines.

As the clinical lead, Dr. Smith oversees a multidisciplinary team comprising senior psychologists, nurses, and speech and language therapists. Together, they deliver high-quality, NICE-guided autism and ADHD assessments that are personalised, accurate, and holistic. The team’s collaborative approach ensures that each client receives tailored support, with clear communication and guidance for families, schools, and other professionals involved in the individual’s care.

In addition to diagnostic services, Dr. Smith provides detailed feedback and post-diagnostic support, helping individuals and families to understand their results and navigate the next steps in accessing appropriate education, therapy, and workplace support.

Key Areas of Expertise:

• Specialist in autism and ADHD diagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and adults
• Over 25 years of experience in neuro services within NHS hospitals, community settings, and brain injury units
• Co-developed and launched an autism day service, including the creation and delivery of specialist autism training packages for multidisciplinary professionals across sectors (e.g., healthcare, education, and police services)
• Highly skilled in the use of Autism & ADHD gold-standard diagnostic tools, including:
  • ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition)
  • ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised)
  • ACIA (Assessment of Comprehension and Interaction for Autism)
  • DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults – Fifth Edition)
  •  Structured clinical observations
• Expert in conducting multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessments with psychologists, nurses, and speech and language clinicians
• Provides comprehensive post-diagnostic guidance, helping individuals and families understand results and take informed steps forward
• Collaborates with schools, families, healthcare professionals, and community services to ensure integrated, person-centred support

Qualifications & Professional Affiliations:

• Chartered Psychologist – British Psychological Society (BPS)
• HCPC Registered Practitioner Psychologist
• Associate Fellow – British Psychological Society
• Fellow – Higher Education Academy
• Member of professional organisations including the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)