Dr Chris Tennyson

Specialist Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director

Dr Tennyson attended Queen’s University Belfast, completing his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2008) and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (2012). He has worked within NHS Psychological Services since 2008, as well as gaining extensive experience within the private and charitable sector.

Dr Tennyson is registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). He has held posts within Paediatric Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Adult Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Physical Health Services and Perinatal Psychology. In additional to his Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology, Dr Tennyson has completed further formal training in ASD diagnostic assessment (ADOS-2 and DISCO) and has extensive experience of completing ASD diagnostic assessments in keeping with NICE guidelines, as well as diagnostic assessments for conditions such as ADHD, intellectual disabilities and attachment/mental health difficulties.

Dr Tennyson has experience in providing medico-legal assessments and reports, and has experience of providing expert witness evidence under cross-examination.

Wendy serves as an initial point of contact for all enquiries to the clinic. She will take detailed information regarding the services you wish to avail of, and provide relevant information as required. Wendy manages our waiting list, and will usually be the person who reaches out to confirm initial appointments at the clinic.

CIARA MURPHY

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Ciara studied Speech and Language Therapy in University of Ulster, Jordanstown and graduated with a BSc Hons Degree in 2004. She is registered with RCSLT (Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists) and the HCPC (Health Care Professions Council). She has worked across a variety of settings, including Community clinics, CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service) and SureStart. In each role she assessed, treated and managed the communication needs of children and young people with a variety of communication delays and disorders.

Ciara is currently working as a Highly Specialist Speech & Language Therapist in a Paediatric ASD Service with children aged 2-18 and has been in this post for 10 years. Ciara is trained in the administration and scoring of ADOS-2 assessments. She has extensive experience in providing and delivering a high quality assessment and diagnostic service in keeping with NICE Guidelines. She currently specialises in the evidence-based management of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and works individually with young people to develop their skills in the areas of communication, social interaction and emotional regulation. She is committed to providing a person-centred approach within her work underpinned by evidence-based practice. She has devised and delivered a range of Parent and Carers Education programmes throughout her career as well as trained in and delivered Hanen based programmes (It Takes Two to Talk, More Than Words and Learning Language and Loving It). She is also PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) trained. 

Kathryn Gillen

Senior Social Worker and ASD Therapist

Kathryn studied in Ulster University, Magee Campus, and qualified with a BSc in Social Work in 2010. She is registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC). Since this time Kathryn has predominantly worked with young people and adults with learning disabilities, autism and behaviours which challenge. Kathryn is qualified in techniques in the management of said behaviours, mainly as a trainer of the MAPA (Management of Actual and Potential Aggression) programme. Kathryn has a vast range of experience in direct work with young people and adults in her work in community, residential and supported living settings.

Kathryn is a qualified Positive Behavioural Support coach with the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD). Kathryn has worked in a paediatric ASD service since 2017 and through this has gained experience in both diagnosis and intervention in ASD. Kathryn is qualified in using the ADOS-2 diagnostic tool and is experienced in assessing children and young people aged 2-18. Kathryn can also provide support to young people and their families as an accredited Incredible Years Parent Programme Trainer and Sleep Scotland Sleep Coach.

LISA CURLETT

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Lisa studied Speech and Language Therapy graduating from the University of Ulster (Jordanstown) with a BSc Hons degree in 2000. She is registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists  (RCSLT) and the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC). 

 Lisa has worked since 2000 as a Speech and Language Therapist in both community clinic and school settings providing specialist assessment and intervention to children and young people presenting with a range of communication delays, challenges and disorders. 

 Lisa currently works in a Paediatric ASD service within a Health and Social Care Trust in her professional capacity as a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. She has vast experience in Autism Spectrum Disorders working for over 15 years in this specialist area.  She is trained in the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule -2) and has undertaken a range of post graduate training. 

 Lisa has a wealth of experience in the design and implementation of ASD assessment models ensuring they meet NICE guidelines and current diagnostic criteria alongside intervention programmes.  She is a highly skilled diagnostician providing high quality ASD assessments and providing evidence based advice and strategies to autistic individuals and their families.

She has been the lead clinician within the Child & Adolescent Mental Health ASD assessment service (B.H.S.C.T) for the last 10 years. Siobhan is a registered member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, and of the Health and Care Professions Council. Siobhan provides ASD assessment clinics for children, young people and adults presenting with a range of social communication and mental health difficulties.

Siobhan is a Certified ADOS and ADI trainer. She is affiliated with the Northumberland Tyne & Wear ADOS Training service, and provides ADOS & ADI training to a wide range of staff in the Health & Social Care services across England and Northern Ireland.