Joanne Douglas, BA (Hons) PGCE MSc CPsychol AEP AFBPsS HPCP
Consultant Chartered Psychologist
Joanne Douglas is a Consultant Chartered Psychologist, specialising in, and advocating on behalf of those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders/ PDA, ADHD and associated conditions. She currently heads up the multidisciplinary team at the independent Spectrum Diagnostic, Assessment & Therapy Centre. As part of her employment with the National Autistic Society UK, Joanne worked for 6 years as part of a multidisciplinary diagnostic team with international experts Dr. Lorna Wing and Dr. Judith Gould at the NAS Wing Diagnostic Centre, Bromley, Kent. Such an opportunity provided her with the experience of working alongside many international experts in the field including Prof. Patricia Howlin, Dr Gillian Baird and Prof Chris Gillberg. In addition to her role within the diagnostic assessment team, Joanne was involved in training professionals in the process of diagnosis and use of the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) assessment tool. Her role also included providing Psychological Support, Training and Assessment to the then six National Autistic Society Independent Schools and range of Adult Services, including an Adult Secure Unit. Joanne is original author of the Parent Post Diagnostic Training Programme “HELP” delivered through The National Autistic Society. She worked with Essex Education Authority to produce a Teaching Video and training pack on Asperger syndrome and developed the National Autistic Society’s Autism Baseline Assessment Schedule for schools.
Joanne has also trained at the Institute of Psychiatry with Prof Michael Rutter, in the application of the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI). She has also trained with Prof. Reuven Feuerestein in the Canadian–Wizo University Jerusalem, Israel, where she qualified in the application of Instrumental Enrichment and Learning Potential Dynamic Assessment Techniques. Joanne has also trained in Sensory Integration, ADOS/ BOSA, Makaton, TEACCH and in the application of a number of child and adult specific assessment tools and interventions.
Joanne was instrumental in setting up the now well established specialist courses for Educational Psychologists and Teachers at The Institute of Education, London. Joanne has developed and lectured on several under graduate and post graduate university courses throughout the UK and Ireland. In 2000, she set up the MSc in “Autistic Spectrum Disorders” provided through the School of Education at The Queen’s University Belfast.
An extensive part of Joanne's work is in consultancy, advising services regarding the development of their autism specific provision. She continues to work with mainstream and specialist schools and adult centres to provide advice on the development of individual programmes, assessment, behaviour management and policy issues.
Joanne has participated in several published research projects / books relating to the educational needs of young people with autism and Asperger syndrome and is extensively engaged in parent workshops and professional training in methods of identification and intervention.
Joanne has provided consultancy and training to Universities throughout Ireland (QUB Belfast, Trinity / UCD -Dublin, Cork), regarding their support to students with Asperger syndrome. In 2007 a project set up for students with Asperger Syndrome at QUB was nominated and subsequently a finalist for a Times Education Award.
Joanne has participated in several published research projects / books relating to the educational needs of young people with autism and Asperger syndrome and is extensively engaged in parent workshops and professional training in methods of identification and intervention. Joanne has worked with Film Director, Stuart McLoughlin to produce the ground breaking short film 'Butterfly' which explores the relationship between gender issues and Asperger syndrome, a film which has received great internal acclaim and award nominations.
She has presented papers at various international conferences and has provided consultancy to service development throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as in Greece, Norway, Israel, Switzerland, Singapore and Bahrain. In 2014 Joanne visited Croatia to advise on the development of local services supporting children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Joanne has undertaken a number of contracts for Health Trusts in the diagnosis and assessment of ASD and related conditions. She has also undertaken ASD diagnostic assessments at the request of the HCPC (Governing Body) and for the High Court. She continues to offer services as an Expert Witness.
