Neurodevelopmental and Psychological Assessments

Jolene Palmer

Jolene has extensive experience in the administration of diagnostic psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults with a wide range of neurodevelopmental differences including, but not limited to: Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), executive function difficulties and learning difficulties associated with genetic disorders. Jolene is also experienced in leading multi-disciplinary teams in exploring such diagnostic queries as: Global Developmental delay, Developmental Language Disorder, ADHD, Autism, and Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia).

In addition to her experience in administering and interpreting and wide range of standardised psychological assessments, she is a trained and experienced administrator of Griffiths-3, ADOS-2 and MIGDAS-2. Jolene is frequently asked to consult as a second clinical opinion for complex cases and she is available for supervision of other Psychologists specialising in psychological testing. She is a registered tutor with ARCID UK (Association for Research in Infant and Child Development), and she periodically hosts Griffiths' training in the UAE to enable other Psychologists and Paediatricans to become registered Griffiths-3 users. 

As a counselling therapist, Jolene sees a small caseload of predominantly adolescent clients. She is an Internal Family Systems informed-therapist and she also has specialist training in the implementation of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Kelly Pugin

At present, Kelly is working solely on conducting psychological assessments and leading multi-disciplinary assessment teams at Insights to explore such neurodevelopmental differences as (but not limited to): Global Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), Developmental Coordination Disorder (such as Dyspraxia), Autism, ADHD, executive function needs, Intellectual Disabilities. Kelly works across the lifespan from young children up to adults. 

Kelly is focused on providing comprehensive, thorough assessments in close collaboration with students, families and school support staff when appropriate. Through the assessment process, she aims to support, not only the family members and teachers, but also the person themselves, towards understanding their needs, but also their strengths and unique personal value. Her recommendations are personalised, honest and kindly delivered.

Kelly is a trained and experienced administrator of such assessment tools as: WPPSI-4, WISC-5, WAIS-4, WIAT-3/4, CTOPP-2, BASC-3, SRS-2, Vineland-3, Conners-3, DIVA-5, Conners CPT, Trails-X/CTMT-2, Beery-VMI, ADOS-2, MIGDAS and Griffiths-3 among others. 

Dr Leanne O'Brien

At Insights, Dr. Leanne is an assessment specialist. She conducts psychological assessments, and she leads multi-disciplinary assessment teams at Insights to explore such neurodevelopmental differences as (but not limited to): Global Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), Developmental Coordination Disorder (such as Dyspraxia), Autism, ADHD, executive function needs, Intellectual Disabilities. Dr Leanne works across the lifespan from school-aged children up to adults. 

Drawing on her experience from working for local authorities in the UK and private practice in the UAE, Dr. Leanne seeks to work collaboratively with families, schools, medical professionals and other referral sources that seek to support a person and their family.

Leanne’s work is underpinned by the British Psychological Society code of ethics and conduct with regard to respect, competence, responsibility and integrity which support the value, dignity and worth of all persons as well as being honest, clear and accurate in her delivery of information.

Dr Leanne is a trained an experienced administrator of such assessment tools as: WPPSI-4, WISC-5, WAIS-4, WIAT-3/4, CTOPP-2, BASC-3, SRS-2, Vineland-3, Conners-3, DIVA-5, Conners CPT, Trails-X/CTMT-2, Beery-VMI, ADOS-2, MIGDAS among others. 

Dr Katie Kemp

Dr Katie is experienced in conducting neurodevelopmental assessments and leading mulit-disciplinary assessment teams for children, adolescents, and adults, which aim to be comprehensive, person-centred, and collaborative. Katie works together with individuals, parents, schools, and other professionals to ensure assessments are holistic, and to co-construct collaborative action plans.

Dr Katie is experienced in exploring such neurodevelopmental differences as (but not limited to): Global Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), Developmental Coordination Disorder (such as Dyspraxia), Autism, ADHD, executive function needs, Intellectual Disabilities.  

Dr Katie’s work is underpinned by the four ethical principles within the British Psychological Society code of ethics and conduct. These include respect for privacy and values, competence of professional knowledge and skills, responsibility and professional accountability, and integrity supporting the values of honesty, accuracy, clarity and fairness within her practice.

Dr Katie is a trained an experienced administrator of such assessment tools as: WPPSI-4, WISC-5, WAIS-4, WIAT-3/4, CTOPP-2, BASC-3, SRS-2, Vineland-3, Conners-3, DIVA-5, Conners CPT, Trails-X/CTMT-2, Beery-VMI, ADOS-2, MIGDAS among others. 

fairness within her practice.

Dr Samir Pathan

In addition to his neurodevelopmental expertise, Samir is passionate about providing high quality, evidence based psychological therapies to clients across the lifespan. Samir utilises an integrative, person-centred approach to therapy, working alongside clients to tailor interventions that are in line with their personal values and goals.

Samir offers short and long-term psychological interventions utilising therapeutic modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focussed Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Samir is an EMDR Therapist and is trained in using EMDR with across the lifespan. Samir’s clinical practice is underpinned by robust, collaboratively developed formulations that are created with clients at their own pace. Psychological therapy is built on rapport and trust, and Samir provides a judgement free and safe space for clients to explore their difficulties.

Samir values working with people involved in a client’s life when appropriate. He has previously worked within family therapy clinics and is open to family and network participation in sessions. Samir is also experienced in providing consultations to other professionals and organisations.

Samir provides support for a range of presentations such as:

• Autism post-diagnosis support (for individuals, couples, families, care providers and other professionals)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Stress and burnout
• Trauma
• Emotion regulation difficulties
• Psychosis
• PTSD
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
• Personality Disorder
• Self-harm
• Phobias
• Formal diagnostic assessment for Autism

Dr Dina Bedair

Dr Dina is a client-led therapist that specialises in working with Autistic clients and their families. She uses a flexible range of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy and Play Therapy at our clinic in JLT, Dubai. Dina is also an EMDR Therapist and is trained in using EMDR with across the lifespan.

In addition to therapeutic work with clients and their families, Dr Dina is trained and experienced in conducting Neuro-Developmental Assessments including assessments of Autism and ADHD across the life span. 

In addition to her clinical work at Insights, Dr Dina is also a lecturer at the University of East Anglia and a major contributor to the British Psychological Society guidelines on depression.

Follow Dr Dina on Instagram at: @dr.dina_psychologist

Jacqui Lawson

With over 20 years professional experience in the UAE, Jacqui has worked in a variety of settings including private clinics, schools and hospitals. She has helped clients of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities and particularly enjoys working with neurodivergent individuals.

Although Jacqui mainly conducts assessments and counselling online, she also leads multi-disciplinary teams for face-to-face assessments. She specializes in neurodevelopmental assessments (ADHD, Autism and Specific Learning Difficulties) for adults and adolescents and uses tools such as the WAIS-4, MIGDAS, WISC-5, DIVA-5, SRS-2, BASC-3, CAARS, CAT-Q, and WIAT-3/4. 

When counselling, Jacqui recognizes the individuality of each client and their unique needs. She therefore tailors interventions to suit each client, and uses an integrative approach combining elements of different modalities, including Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness.

Jacqui works collaboratively with her clients to address areas such as post diagnostic support for Autism and ADHD, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, Trauma, Anger Management, Relationships, and Grief. Jacqui believes in working with clients holistically to help them discover their strengths and move towards self-acceptance.

In addition to assessment and counselling Jacqui has offered staff training on a variety of mental health topics and how to support neurodivergence in the workplace. Examples of training conducted include: Assessing ADHD in adults; Anxiety and Stress Management; Resilience, Growth Mindset and Post Traumatic Growth; Improving Executive Functioning Skills and Understanding and Managing Behavioural, Social and Emotional Difficulties. As a mother of two, Jacqui also enjoys delivering workshops to parents and teachers, such as teaching children coping skills, self - regulation strategies and mindfulness.

Jacqui’s ultimate goal is to help her clients gain insight and to be authentic. She aims to equip them with practical and necessary tools, to feel empowered to make their own choices and positive changes.

Dr Kate Kamson

Dr Kamson has extensive experience in supporting children and families with neurodevelopmental needs and various mental health presentations.

She adopts a calm, compassionate and caring style in order to help children and young people; as well as strengthen their networks. As a systemic practitioner, Dr Kamson has experience of providing family therapy to those with a  range of life stressors including new diagnoses, traumatic life events, physical health changes and relationship challenges.

Within adult work, Dr Kamson, supports individuals to explore their current difficulties around anxiety, low mood and trauma. Her approach is person centred and aims to guide individuals to find compassion, strength and healing in the process of therapy.

Further, Dr Kamson has a real interest in assessments and has experience in neuropsychological assessments as well as specific diagnostic assessments, such as Autism. Her approach as a Clinical Psychologist is flexible and works with clients through face-to-face interactions as well as virtual.

Dr Kamson has a range of training including: Systemic Family Therapy (level 2); Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (level 1); Interpersonal Psychotherapy (level 1); Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Narrative therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Dr Niamh Grace

Dr Grace has a breadth of experience working therapeutically with young people and adults from varying backgrounds. Dr Niamh enjoys working
therapeutically with children and adolescents with a wide range of mental health needs, including anxiety, OCD, low mood and developmental trauma. She is
experienced in a range of therapeutic models, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion focused therapy (CFT), systemic therapies
and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Dr Grace is also experienced in the assessment of autism, and in working with neurodivergent young people and their families and offers post- diagnostic
support to parents individually or in group-based settings. Dr Grace is trained in using principles from ‘Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations’ (CUES) framework, which is an intervention package to address anxiety relating to uncertainty experienced by autistic children. She is keen to provide consultation to teams and organisations around working with and supporting neurodivergent populations.

She is competent in conducting cognitive assessments to understand a young person's cognitive strengths and difficulties and liaising with schools and other organisations to support a young person’s learning.

Dr Grace adopts an evidence-based, integrative, and creative approach to her work, in order to meet a client’s unique and individual needs and strives to make clients and their families feel safe, understood and supported.

Gráinne Parish

Gráinne is passionate about providing services not only to the individual, but also to families, schools and the community. As a Psychologist Practitioner, Gráinne specialises in the assessment of needs related to social communication and autism across the life span. 

Gráinne is a registered Psychologist with the Community Development Authority Dubai and the Health Care Professionals Council (UK). She is also a Chartered Psychologist with The British Psychological Society (CPsychol). In her spare time, she is a founding board member of All Children Included, a CDA registered non-for-profit agency supporting the inclusion of children of determination in our community.