Kate Walker

Professional background

Kate has more than 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children and families, including extensive work within mainstream educational settings. She qualified as a teacher in 2012 and spent the following decade supporting children with a wide range of neurodevelopmental needs.

During her teaching career, she developed considerable experience in recognising individual learning, communication and developmental differences, adapting educational approaches and helping children and their families navigate the challenges of everyday school life. She has worked closely with children experiencing difficulties associated with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

This background developed her understanding of the ways in which neurodevelopmental differences can affect learning, emotional wellbeing, social relationships, communication and everyday functioning. Building upon her educational experience, Kate subsequently trained in neurodevelopmental assessment and is qualified to assess for ADHD and autism, including taking developmental histories.

As an experienced special needs teacher, she has also contributed to assessment reports for other clinics where a classroom observation is required.

Kate is currently undertaking a speech and language apprenticeship alongside her autism and ADHD assessment work. On completion, she will be eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Autism assessment

At The ADHD & Autism Clinic, Kate contributes to the specialist assessment of adults seeking an autism diagnosis.

Her professional background provides an important developmental perspective, particularly when considering childhood experiences, educational history and the ways in which autistic characteristics may have presented earlier in life.

She recognises that autism can present differently between individuals and that characteristics may have been overlooked, misunderstood or attributed to other causes during childhood. Kate understands the importance of considering the individual’s developmental history alongside their current experiences, strengths and difficulties.

Her experience supporting neurodivergent children and families also informs her understanding of how different environments, expectations and support arrangements can affect the experiences of autistic people.

Kate contributes her specialist assessment skills as part of the clinic’s wider autism diagnostic process, working alongside other clinicians to develop a comprehensive understanding of each individual. She recognises that a meaningful autism assessment should consider the whole person rather than rely upon a single observation or assessment instrument.

Find out more about autism and the ADOS-2 assessment.

Approach to patients

Kate places particular importance on helping people feel comfortable and supported throughout the autism assessment process. She recognises that seeking an autism assessment can be a significant step, particularly for adults who may have spent many years questioning or trying to understand their experiences.

Her approach is warm, approachable and sensitive to individual differences. One of her particular strengths is her ability to establish rapport with people who may initially feel anxious or uncertain about the assessment process.

She aims to create a respectful, supportive environment in which individuals feel able to describe their experiences openly and without judgement. Kate recognises that every autistic person is different and that assessments should acknowledge individual strengths and abilities alongside areas of difficulty.

She is committed to ensuring that people feel heard and understood, recognising that the assessment process itself can contribute to greater self-understanding. Her approach reflects the belief that a thoughtful, comprehensive assessment can provide a valuable foundation for appropriate support and informed decisions about the future.

Educational experience and neurodevelopmental expertise

Kate’s professional experience includes supporting children with neurodevelopmental differences in mainstream educational settings. She has worked closely with families and educational professionals to develop individualised approaches to learning, communication and everyday functioning.

Her work has involved understanding the different ways in which children experience educational environments and identifying adjustments and strategies that may help them participate more comfortably and effectively. This experience provides valuable insight into the developmental and educational histories of adults seeking autism assessments.

Kate recognises that differences in communication, social interaction, learning and sensory experiences may become apparent in childhood, although their significance is not always recognised at the time. Her background also informs her understanding of the experiences of individuals who have developed strategies to manage or conceal their difficulties in different environments. She brings a practical, developmental and person-centred perspective to autism assessment.

Professional interests

Kate has a particular interest in the relationship between neurodevelopmental differences, childhood development, educational experiences and adult wellbeing. Her interests include understanding how autistic people experience communication, relationships, sensory environments and everyday expectations.

She is committed to inclusive practice and to helping individuals and families develop a clearer understanding of neurodevelopmental differences.

Her wider professional experience includes assessing both children and adults, in person and online, and contributing classroom observations to assessments for other clinics. Her work at The ADHD & Autism Clinic focuses on adult autism assessment.