Other Professionals
Some children benefit from specialist support, whether this be occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dyslexia tutoring or neurodivergent specialist counselling.
Parents who identify their own neurodivergence might want to access some of this support too.
Find out more about what these specialists offer, with some personal recommendations from me below:
Sophie Thwaites - Occupational Therapist
Sophie Thwaites is a specialist Occupational Therapist, who typically works with children aged between 8-12 years old, who are struggling to read, write, sit still and coordinate their body. She helps to find the source of their challenges and through the use of movement based exercises, permanently reduce them; ultimately allowing them to unlock their potential, enjoy learning and grow in confidence. If you’re looking for the right support for your child, then get in touch to today to learn more.
Contact:
www.instagram.com/sophieot_helpingyourchildlearn/
07584857861
David O'Kane - Neurodivergent Specialist Counsellor
Dave is a person-centered counsellor who coaches and counsels’ children (11 upwards) and adults who are neurodiverse or believe they are. He has extensive experience of working with neurodiverse children through working with the National Autistic Society where he ran an across London team supporting children and families. He has worked in schools and colleges as a qualified teacher for 14 plus as well as counselling and supporting schools with SEND planning. His previous work has included fostering, working with excluded children and those at risk of exclusion, residential child care officer, forest school practitioner, teaching outdoor pursuits and team building, child and family worker in children’s services, working for a charity that support survivors and families of those lost through suicide as well as working extensively with young people and adults who harm. He has also trained police, social workers and other organisations in Autism awareness as well as Domestic Abuse.
Contact:
firststepsforward@btinternet.com
www.https://firststepsforward.co.uk/
Stu Colman - ADHD Coach & Workplace Neurodiversity Specialist
Stu supports professionals with ADHD to better understand how their brain works and build practical systems that improve consistency, confidence, and performance. Through his coaching work, he helps individuals move from feeling capable but stuck, to clear, focused, and in control of their work.
Alongside this, he works with organisations to help them better understand neurodivergent employees and reduce friction in how work is designed and managed, creating environments where people can perform at their best.
Contact:
07704 807520
James MacDougall - Literacy & Maths Tutor (Dyslexia specialism)
James is an experienced literacy and maths tutor with a warm, engaging approach, specialising in supporting children with dyslexia. With over 15 years of teaching experience, he has built a strong reputation for making learning enjoyable, accessible, and confidence-building.
James tailors each session to how each child learns best, creating a supportive environment where they can build skills, understanding, and confidence. Parents value his ability to combine professional expertise with a genuine enthusiasm for helping children succeed, particularly those who may have found learning challenging.
Contact:
📞 07999 559594
📧 doogymac@yahoo.co.uk
