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What do we provide?
What is included in each Assessment?
An in-depth developmental interview using the 3Di or ADI-R
An observational assessment using the ADOS-2
A full report
with recommendations
Optional feedback session to discuss findings & any recommended ongoing support
Why have an Assessment
with us?
We only use highly specialist clinicians who have at least 10 years of experience working with autistic individuals within their clinical area. We follow NICE Guidelines to ensure the assessment can be accepted by the NHS, Local Authority and Mindworks. We have a dedicated clinician who is the single point of contact throughout the assessment process. They are on hand to answer any questions that may arise and ensure a person centred, supportive service.
We offer a short free phone consultation with the Clinical Director prior to booking in for any of our assessments.
Meet the Team
Lisa Mayatt
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Lisa is a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and also the Founder and Clinical Director of Autism Assessments Farnham. Lisa receives all initial screening calls and is the dedicated point of contact for all families throughout the assessment process.
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Lisa has worked extensively within the NHS and Local Authority, most recently as a Team Lead for Surrey County Council until January 2023 when she moved fully into private practice. Lisa has been administering ADOS-2 assessments since 2016 and is also trained in the ADI-R, 3Di and ACE. She has a particular interest in the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile and also the presentation of autism in girls and young women.
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Lisa also works as an Expert Witness for Speech and Language Therapy tribunals (see her Speech Therapy Farnham website for more information) and has a number of Local Authority contracts for supporting autistic children and young people within educational settings.
Dr Joseph Chukwu
Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician
Joseph currently works as a community paediatrician within the NHS. He has extensive experience of Autism and ADHD assessments and is trained in the ADOS-2, ADI-R and 3Di. Dr Chukwu joined Autism Assessments Farnham when it was founded in October 2022.
Dr Chukwu assesses for Autism and ADHD for the under 18 service.
There are a limited number of spaces for standalone ADHD assessments. Do get in touch to enquire about the availability of these.
Dr Aimee Hayter
Clinical Psychologist
Aimee has 20 years of experience within academia, NHS and private practice working with neurodivergent people across the lifespan, from school age (within specialist schools) to those entering retirement.
She specialises in neuropsychology and has a particular interest in providing psychological assessment (including ADOS-2), interventions and consultation for those who appreciate that their brains work differently from others and find living in a world designed for neurotypical people challenging at times.
Dr Gopal Venkat, MD, FRCPCH
Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician
Dr Gopal Venkat is a highly experienced Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician with over 20 years of clinical practice, specialising in neurodevelopmental disorders, paediatric neurology, and epilepsy. He has extensive expertise in the assessment and management of neurodevelopmental conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Developmental Coordination Disorder (dyspraxia). He is formally trained in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‑2 (ADOS‑2).
Dr Gopal provides comprehensive ASD and ADHD assessments for children and young people under 16, working within a multidisciplinary team (psychologist, speech and language therapist, and occupational therapist). His practice is neuro‑affirmative, respecting neurodiversity while ensuring each child’s strengths and needs are fully understood.
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​He has significantly contributed to paediatric education, serving for over a decade as an exam‑setting board member at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), and has previously been an OSCE examiner. He has presented at international conferences and authored/co-authored several peer‑reviewed publications and book chapters in his field.
Dr Gopal is known for his thoughtful, compassionate, and evidence-based approach, providing high-quality, holistic, and timely neurodevelopmental care.
Karen Cooper
Highly Specialist SLT & Autism Specialist
Karen is a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with a particular Specialism in Autism. She has worked within an Independent Specialist School, the NHS and the Local Authority over the last 25 years, with 20 years experience working within diagnostic multidisciplinary teams. She completed ADOS-2 training in 2016 and regularly administers this observational assessment as part of the diagnostic process. Karen is also trained in the ADI-R and ACE and uses these tools for parent interviews.
Karen supports the multidisciplinary team at Autism Assessments Farnham by jointly completing ADOS-2 assessment with children and young adults.
Jess Wilson
Occupational Therapist
Jess is an Occupational Therapist with a special interest in neurodevelopmental conditions, sensory processing, and the impact of trauma. She has worked across mainstream and specialist schools, as well as clinic, home, and community settings, supporting children and young people through tailored interventions.She has experience contributing to NHS autism diagnostic services, administering ADOS-2 assessments as part of multidisciplinary teams. Jess now works for TLC Space, an independent occupational therapy practice supporting children and young people. Her approach is person-centred and holistic, with an emphasis on participation and well-being.Jess supports the multidisciplinary team at Autism Assessments Farnham by jointly completing ADOS-2 assessments with children and adults.
Beccy Muggeridge
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Beccy is a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with a specialism in Autism and Brain Injury. She has extensive experience locally in Surrey, working in various educational settings, including specialist schools and centres supporting autistic children. Beccy has also worked as part of the multidisciplinary teams at The Children’s Trust Rehabilitation Centre and within the NHS at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Currently, Beccy is part of the Evelina London Community Speech and Language Therapy service, where she works within the multidisciplinary autism assessment team. In addition to her NHS role, she provides independent speech and language therapy and autism assessments.
Beccy supports the multidisciplinary team at Autism Assessments Farnham by jointly completing ADOS-2 assessment with children and adults.
Sarah Grieve
Specialist Speech and Language Therapy Assistant and Clinical Administrator
Sarah supports the service through a combined role in administration and speech and language therapy assistance, helping to coordinate appointments, prepare documentation, and keep the assessment process running smoothly.
Bringing extensive NHS and Local Authority experience, Sarah’s approach is warm, organised, and neurodiversity‑affirming, ensuring that each child’s assessment experience feels calm, respectful, and well supported.
Deepika Sharma
Specialist Occupational Therapist
With over 20 years of clinical experience, Deepika is a Specialist Occupational Therapist dedicated to supporting children and young people with neurodivergent and developmental conditions. As a member of our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), she works closely with other specialists to provide holistic, thorough, and unified neurodevelopmental assessments.
Deepika is trained in ADOS-2—the gold-standard assessment tool—allowing her to offer deep, evidence-based insights into autism presentations. She is also currently advancing her expertise as a Sensory Integration Practitioner, focusing on how sensory processing impacts a child's ability to engage with the world.
Deepika is a firm believer that the best support happens through partnership. By collaborating closely with families, schools, and her MDT colleagues, she ensures every child receives a holistic plan designed to unlock their potential and improve their quality of life at home, in school, and across the community.