West Midlands Autism and ADHD Assessment Service
Our Story, Founders and Values
Choosing the right service is an important step when committing to an Autism or ADHD assessment. Our lead clinicians are committed and compassionate Clinical Psychologists who founded WMAAAS through their own personal values in offering a neurodivergent affirmative approach without significant waiting times.
Dr Laura Onens
Founder | Clinical Psychologist
Dr Laura is a registered clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience providing psychological assessments and interventions in both NHS and private services. She is registered and regulated by the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and is entitled to use the legally protected title 'practitioner psychologist'.
Laura has a specialist interest in compensatory behaviours (e.g. masking) and raising awareness about the barriers to diagnosis in females.
Throughout her career, Laura has worked with individuals who have felt different or misunderstood, often without a clear explanation for their experiences. For many, understanding their neurodiversity brings clarity, validation, and a stronger sense of self.
Laura co-developed the West Midlands Autism and ADHD Assessment Service to address an unmet need for support that extends beyond diagnosis. Her approach seeks to foster understanding and acceptance, where differences are not viewed solely through a deficit lens. Throughout the assessment process, Laura is committed to recognising both the strengths and needs of each individual.
Dr Victoria Crooks
Founder | Clinical Psychologist
Dr Victoria is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and an accredited practitioner within the field of Clinical Psychology. She is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is entitled to use the legally protected title of ‘Practitioner Psychologist’. Victoria has over 25 years of experience providing psychological assessment and intervention within clinical settings. She is the joint Co-Director of the West Midlands Autism and ADHD Assessment Service, which she co-developed from her experience as a Lead Clinical Psychologist in an NHS hospital psychology department, alongside her independent practice in mental health.
Victoria has particular experience in supporting individuals to explore whether neurodivergence may be relevant to their experiences, as well as considering alternative explanations for presenting difficulties. Her work often focuses on supporting greater self-understanding, particularly for those experiencing relationship or social challenges, emotional uncertainty, or difficulties navigating day-to-day life.
In private practice, Victoria values being able to offer a more timely assessment process, alongside the time, care, and compassion each individual deserves.
Committed to Compassionate Neurodiversity Support
Our Story
Founded in 2020 at the Moat House in Sutton Coldfield, our service was established to provide accessible private assessments and ongoing support for Autism and ADHD. Since then, it has grown into a trusted resource across the West Midlands. In 2025, the service expanded through the acquisition of Lyndon House Clinic, enabling both the development of our services and the creation of a welcoming, home-from-home environment for clients.
Our aim is to support individuals and families through high-quality diagnostic assessments, alongside ongoing care delivered in a respectful and understanding setting. We are guided by values of integrity, empathy, and collaboration, and seek to recognise and respect the unique experiences of neurodivergent people in all aspects of our work.
We place strong value on an in-person diagnostic and post-diagnostic journey, while also offering flexible hybrid services. This blended approach, combining face-to-face and online support, is intended to enhance accessibility, support engagement, and promote meaningful outcomes.
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical Psychologists are well placed to lead diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD due to their specialist training in psychological assessment, neurodevelopment, and human behaviour. Their expertise enables them to go beyond simply applying diagnostic criteria, supporting thoughtful differential diagnosis and more meaningful, individualised formulations. In the UK, Clinical Psychologists are HCPC-registered and recognised within NICE guidelines as appropriate professionals to contribute to and lead neurodevelopmental assessments within a multidisciplinary framework.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Professionals Who Care About You
Our experienced clinicians and support staff are passionate about providing expert assessments and personalised post-diagnosis guidance. We foster a warm, supportive atmosphere where your questions are welcomed and understood. Connect with us to learn more about how we can assist you or your family.
Lauren
Speech and Language Therapist and ADOS-2 Assessor
Lauren is a qualified Speech and Language Therapist with over 12 years of experience, working across autism assessment services with children, adolescents, and young adults. She is registered with the HCPC and a member of the RCSLT. Lauren adopts a neurodiversity-affirming, collaborative approach, supporting individuals and families to understand strengths, needs, and communication differences. She works across both NHS and private neurodevelopmental services.
Dr Jenny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Dr Jenny is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 20 years’ experience across NHS and independent services. She has held senior leadership roles within CAMHS and contributed to autism pathways. Dr Reeves specialises in neurodivergence, with extensive experience in ADHD and autism assessments, and is trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, and EMDR. She works collaboratively with services such as education and social care, and is committed to providing high-quality assessment and support for children and adults.
Tracey
Specialist Occupational Therapist
Tracey is an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner with over 30 years of experience in children’s Occupational Therapy. She has worked across the NHS, private practice, schools, and internationally, and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive assessments.
She has extensive experience supporting children with a wide range of sensory, physical, and developmental needs, including ADHD and autism, and takes a child- and family-centred approach.
Dr Jennifer
Chartered Clinical Psychologist
Dr Jennifer is an HCPC registered Chartered Clinical Psychologist and member of the BPS. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology, and is currently undertaking further training in Autism and Neurodivergence. Jennifer has a particular interest in masking and burnout, and works across the lifespan to support individuals in understanding and embracing their neurodivergence.
Alex
Speech and Language Therapist and ADOS-2 Assessor
Alex is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist and Autism Assessor with over 10 years of dedicated experience working with children and young adults across various assessment settings, including CAMHS. Alex enjoys working closely with children, young people, adults, and their families to ensure their diagnostic journey is meaningful and empowering.
Dr Robin
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Robin Garai is an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist with a well-established background in adult community mental health services. He has worked as a Locum Consultant Psychiatrist across several NHS Trusts, gaining significant expertise in assessing and managing ADHD. Dr Garai supports our clients on the post-diagnostic pathway with initiating medical treatment for ADHD, titration and ongoing monitoring and support.
Gordon
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Gordon is a paediatric occupational therapist with 22 years of experience supporting young people with autism and neurodiversity, specialising in sensory and motor differences. He contributes to multidisciplinary assessments and support planning, with a focus on person–environment fit informed by his training in inclusive design. His approach is holistic, person-centred, and grounded in both professional and lived experience.
Jessica
Specialist Occupational Therapist
Jessica has a background in psychology and occupational therapy, with over six years’ experience across NHS and private neurodevelopmental and mental health services, working with both young people and adults. She has supported individuals with a range of mental health and neurodevelopmental needs and adopts a neuroaffirming approach, focusing on strengths and supporting engagement in meaningful everyday activities.
Danielle
Assistant Psychologist
Danielle holds an MSc in Developmental Disorders and a BSc in Psychology, with specialist knowledge in autism and ADHD. Her research explored masking and camouflaging in autistic adults, reflecting her interest in nuanced presentations. She has experience supporting children and young people with neurodivergent and SEMH needs, and contributes to assessments and support using a strengths-based, neuroaffirmative approach.
Nicki
Administration and Assessment Co-ordinator
Nicki is our Clinic Administrator, providing a warm welcome to all visitors at Lyndon House Clinic. She brings extensive administrative experience, managing clinic operations and appointments, alongside a background as a SEN teacher, which supports her natural ability to connect with children and families.
Jo
Administration and Registrations Co-ordinator
Jo is one of our wonderful adminstrators who keeps our services running smoothly and effectively. From supporting with general enquiries to assisting with registrations you can be sure to receive a compassionate, friendly and helpful interaction with Jo
Jane
Administration Manager
Jane is the lead of our administration team. Jane’s organisation and efficiency ensures that our administration processes remain aligned with client needs and ensuring the most effective service. Jane has a warm, friendly approach and occasionally offers support with our reception services.
Dr Jaleesa
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Jaleesa is an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and Child and Adolescent Therapist with experience across health, education, and social care. She specialises in trauma and neurodiversity, providing assessments and therapeutic support to children, young people, and adults.
Dr Jaleesa has particular experience working with looked-after and adopted children and uses a range of evidence-based approaches to support recovery and wellbeing.
Dr Eleanor
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Eleanor is a Clinical Psychologist with 17 years’ experience across NHS and private settings, working from infancy to adulthood. She has undertaken additional training in neurodevelopmental assessment and is committed to making the process meaningful and supportive.
Eleanor works in both assessment and therapy, alongside her role in NHS perinatal services, where she has a particular interest in neurodivergence and parenthood.
Dr Nav
Counselling Psychologist
Dr Nav is a Counselling Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience working with individuals with complex needs, including those supported by WMAAAS. She has expertise in assessment, formulation, and multidisciplinary working, contributing clear, evidence-based input to high-quality assessments.
Her approach is person-centred and grounded in both clinical knowledge and practical experience, with a focus on integrating information to produce clear, comprehensive, and clinically robust reports.
Our Shared Values
As a neurodiversity-affirming service we ensure that all of our clinicians hold the same values about neurodiversity. In simple terms, we view autism, ADHD, and other neurological diversities as unique differences to be respected, supported and embraced. We hope to normalise neurodivergence while assisting clients to find the understanding, accommodations, and services they need.
Accepting new clients.
No waiting lists.
Appointments within days.
Delays in accessing assessment and support are known to impact quality of life, limit opportunities, and affect mental health. For this reason, we prioritise providing timely assessments. Always.
