Joanna Westwood

Joanna is a Psychological Therapist and Registered Social Worker with over 25 years experience of working with children, young people and adults in assessment and therapeutic services.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, A degree in Social Work from Liverpool John Moores and more recently a master's degree in Counselling Children and Young People at Glyndwr University.

Joanna has worked in Local Authority, ensuring children's health, education and social care needs were supported through the provision of multiagency packages of support.

Children and young people's in-person Assessment, includes 

Review of Pre-Assessment questionnaires

Review of pre-existing documentation and reports

Gathering of school/college feedback through Teacher Interviews and questionnaires.

ADIR Interview - up to three hours (Remote)

ADOS-2 Observational session in your home, school or designated clinic space - 50/80 minutes

Diagnostic report with recommendations

Liaison where appropriate with other professionals.

Adult Fully Remote Assessment

Includes the above, including an A CAT Q assessment where required for clients over 14 years of age where appropriate. 

Reach Autism Services offers a continued package of guidance and support for individuals and families who wish to access post diagnostic interventions.

Sessions covering a range of topics can be accessed by parents or individuals to help provide support through the onward phase of your journey through diagnosis.

These sessions may include, understanding more about autism and signposting to help you connect with the neurodivergent community both locally and nationally. Developing your knowledge around sensory processing, communication strategies, cognitive functioning and both understanding and managing behaviour to help you develop an autonomous voice which strives towards independence and self advocacy as you move forwards.

Advice and guidance can also be offered to support siblings of autistic individuals to have a unique experience that extends across the lifespan and who can often fall 'under the radar'. Here we will consider and identify the priorities to improve their educational and wellbeing outcomes.