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Meet The Team

Knowledge, experience and, above all, care

A multi-disciplinary team of experts in neurodevelopmental conditions

Our small, multi-disciplinary team of clinicians have varied experience and vast knowledge in working with neurodivergent people of all ages.

The team is made up of Clinical Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapist, Psychotherapist, Trainee and Assistant Psychologists. All of the team are trained in using the assessment tools required and attend regular supervision and reliability workshops. We are also registered with relevant professional bodies. 

We are friendly and professional and frequently get feedback on how we managed to make people feel at ease during the assessment process. We also bring personal experience of neurodiversity to our work.

Andrew parkinson

Dr Andrew Parkinson

Consultant Clinical Psychologist

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Esther hiley

Esther Hiley

Speech & Language Therapist

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Molly Pennington

Assistant Psychologist

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Iris varela

Iris Varela

Social Worker, CBT Therapist & Autism Tutor

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Hasan el masry

Hasan El-Masry

Trainee Clinical Psychologist

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"I cannot rate Sussex Autism Assessments highly enough. The assessment they carried out with my child was thorough and we were kept well informed throughout the whole process. We did not feel rushed and felt listened to - Andrew's support and advice has been invaluable."

Parent of a child being assessed
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Get in touch

Dr Andrew Parkinson

Director & Principal Clinical Psychologist

I am a Principal Clinical Psychologist, having worked in the field of psychology for over 20 years, across the NHS Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), in private practice and as an Expert Witness for the UK Family Courts.

I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Cardiff University and obtained my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University of Hertfordshire.

I have a specialist interest in assessing and working with children, young people and adults with neurodivergent conditions as well as those with developmental trauma. I am also HCPC registered.

Esther Hiley

Speech & Language Therapist

I trained as a Speech and Language Therapist at the University of Manchester graduating in 2003. I am a registered Speech and Language Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council and a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

I have a wide range of experience working with children and young people with speech, language, communication and learning difficulties in mainstream and special educational settings, clinics and preschools. I have specialised in working with children with complex communication needs in particularly assessment, diagnosis and intervention for children, young people and adults with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). I have also worked within specialist multidisciplinary clinics both privately and within the NHS. She works collaboratively with families and educators to support children and young people develop their communication and interaction skills.

I previously worked as a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for ASC and ADHD in Croydon NHS, running joint diagnostic clinics, providing therapy for children as well as training and advice for schools and other professionals. I currently work privately as part of the team in diagnosing ASC and related conditions and within a mainstream independent school.

Hasan El-Masry

Trainee Clinical Psychologist

I am a Trainee Clinical Psychologist and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and a member of the British Psychological Society. I have experience in the consultation, assessment and intervention of children with autism and other neurodevelopmental and mental health presentations in the NHS (including the National and Specialist Autism Service in South London and Maudsley NHS) and third sector.  

I value a collaborative and compassionate therapeutic relationships and strive to promote inclusion, empowerment and recovery in m work. I have experience of supporting people across the lifespan and am particularly interested in applying psychological theory flexibly and creatively to meet each person’s unique needs.

Iris Varela

Social Worker, CBT Therapist & Autism Tutor

Having worked and trained in New York City, I have 20 years professional experience working with the neurodiverse community. This includes a range of evidence-based interventions, as well as delivering autism assessments, CBT, working with family members and providing psychoeducation. 

In addition, I offer support to the wider network, such as schools, universities and places of employment to help tailor adaptations to autistic people. Currently I’m also employed by CAMHS and teach at the Anna Freud Centre as a Practice Tutor on the ASC/LD post graduate programme, and am Course Tutor for the Senior Wellbeing Practitioner programme. I am HCPC registered.

I also offer post diagnostic support for people who have been assessed and diagnosed at London & Sussex Autism Assessment.

Molly Pennington

Assistant Psychologist

I am an Assistant Psychologist, registered with the BPS. I work in private practice delivering therapy to children and young adults who are experiencing difficulties such as phobias, low mood, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating difficulties and anxiety. I also have valuable experience of supporting children and young people in various roles, including tutoring children with special educational needs and supporting young people to develop independent living skills. In my work, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.

At Sussex Autism Assessments, I support the work of the clinical team. This includes contributing to clinical interviews, administering screening tools and contributing to wider formulation and recommendations.