OUR TEAM
All the Autism Sussex team simultaneously work in NHS CAMHS or Child Development Services. We therefore fully understand the extreme waiting lists and resource pressures on NHS services and indeed, the pressures on the parents and young people requiring such services.
We also have access to a Consultant Psychiatrist and another Senior Clinical Psychologist to support us when required.
Core Team
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Dr Amtul Habib Hashemi
BSc (Hons), PhD, PsychD (Clin Psych), CPsychol, HCPC, BPS
I am a Principle Clinical Psychologist who has built my career in NHS Child Development and CAMHS services over the past 25 years. In both NHS and independent work, I have very strong knowledge, skills and experience in the setting up of and leading on neuro-affirmative autism assessment services and in the training and supervision of colleagues. My experience encompasses conducting complex autism assessments for all ages (children and adults). I have a particular interest in children and young people where there are additional complexities such as over-lapping neuro-developmental and psychiatric conditions, the impact of possible early trauma, gender identity, masking and camouflaging, autistic burnout and mental health. My aim will always be to work in partnership and collaboration to understand what is difficult or challenging for your child and family. Any assessment will incorporate an evidence and strengths-based formulation to encourage positive outcomes and confidence for the neuro-diverse young person and the significant people in their life.
Chartered member of British Psychological Society.
Registered with Health Care Professions Council.
Enhanced DBS check.
Autism Consultant
Lalli Howell
BSc (Hons), PGCE, MSc (Autism Research)
I work as an autism specialist within an NHS Autism assessment service as well as an autism consultant for both independent and state schools. I have 35 years’ experience in the field of Autism and Special Education for early years, adolescence and adulthood and I was a Head Teacher for a Special Needs Schools in Sussex for 20 years.
I am passionate about supporting families and their children with special educational needs to thrive in the best educational environment so they can reach their potential
and be at their happiest and most successful. I take part in training and teaching as well as speak at conferences both nationally and internationally and through this keep updated with the latest autism research.
Personal Assistant to the Autism Surrey and Autism Sussex teams.
Ola Namasivayam
I am the dedicated Autism Sussex / Surrey administrator. I am here to support the families with their enquiries, the team with the clinical work and above all to ensure timely communication and a smooth process.
I understand that this can be a difficult and stressful time for you and will make sure that all information is passed to the Clinical Directors so that they can be available to answer your queries and concerns.
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr Ann Catherine White
BSc BMBCh (Oxon), MRCPCH, GMC: 4317791
I am a Consultant Paediatrician working within the NHS and private practice. I have over 12 years of consultant experience undertaking childhood autism assessments. I work with the understanding that every child and family is unique. Hence, I believe that a holistic assessment is essential to understand the child’s profile and allow the team to give individual recommendations on how best to support the child to gain their full potential. I am passionate about medical education and lead training to ensure that the future medical workforce better understands and supports neurodiversity. I can also offer support with sleep difficulties which can include the prescribing of Melatonin.
Our Associates
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr Harriet Clompus
MBBS Newcastle 2004, Post-graduate Diploma in Paediatric neurodisability 2016, GMC: 6102597
I am Paediatric Community Consultant. I have over 10 years experience in Autism assessment within the NHS and have been an Autism lead in the NHS for the past five years. As part of my training I had a placement in Child and Adolescent mental health (CAMHS). I am very interested in the psychosocial aspect of children's behaviour and the interplay with neurodiversity and always want to build a profile of the child I am assessing which includes strengths as well as difficulties to be fully informed to give bespoke advice.
Consultant Community Paediatrician
Dr Lottie Mount
MB ChB Manchester 2007, GMC 6157620
I am a consultant community paediatrician, working with in the NHS. I have 6 years of Autism experience as part of my working role, which has allowed me to fully develop my diagnostic skills in this area. As part of my paediatric training, I have worked within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). I believe that allowing to explore a young person’s neurodevelopmental profile will enable them to better understand themselves and their strengths. Through recognition of areas of difficulty, this allows those around the young person to be able to fully support them.
Speech and Language Therapist
Kaajal Khimasia Morgan
PG Dip Speech and Langue Therapy 2002, Member ASLTIP, HCPC
l am a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and have worked within the field of autism for 15 years. I have worked in both Nurseries and Schools; mainstream, special school and ASC Centres. For the last 8 years I have also been a member of an NHS autism assessment team. My connection to autism is both professional and personal. This has encouraged my interest in a neurodivergent-affirming approach, which seeks to support the well-being of the autistic children I work with while promoting positive outcomes for them.
SEN Educational Consultant
Laura Kerbey
MBPsS. BSc (Hons), PGCE, PGCE (Autism), NPQH
Laura has an outstanding reputation throughout the UK in all areas of SEN, Autism and Demand Avoidance profiles. We are proud to have her expertise to support our work.