Professional Experience
After qualifying, Julie worked in the role of Autism Team Leader and Special Needs Coordinator for NHS Trusts in the Midlands area for seven years, before establishing her own private practice. Over a five-year period, Julie fulfilled local education contracts to see pupils in special schools and worked as an Expert Witness on behalf of parents at Special Educational Needs Tribunals. (Expert Witness testimonial) before travelling to Perth, Western Australia to work at a specialist centre for children with Autism. In Perth, she worked alongside psychologists to deliver ABA and Verbal Behavioural Therapy (VBA). In 2011 Julie moved to The Centre for Cerebral Palsy where her work focussed on meal-time management (Dysphagia), AAC and Literacy.In addition to providing assessment and therapy for children with delayed speech and language, Julie specialises in treating children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Dyspraxia, Literacy Difficulties, and Dysphasia.Julie has attended numerous post graduate courses to enhance her specialist skills, here are just a few:
CUBS Expert Witness qualification (Cardiff University & Bond Solon)
TEACCH training workshop TEACCH was developed at the University of North Carolina. This approach can be used in the home, nurseries with pre-school children, mainstream schools and in special schools The TEACCH approach aims to clarify the environment for the person with Autism and use their strengths to help them compensate for their weaknesses
Advanced level 2 TEACCH Training Julie is qualified to implement and train others on how to use the TEACCH approach
Hanen Parent Programme "It takes two to talk" - This workshop was developed in Canada to enhance interactive skills between parents and language delayed children
Hanen Parent Programme "More than words" - This workshop is specifically for parents who have a child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – A visual communication system used with people who are unable to specify their needs and wants verbally. This approach is frequently used with children who have autism and are non-verbal
Talk Tools Julie attended the following three courses over an 18-month period; Oral Placement Therapy – three-part treatment plan, Feeding Therapy, Oral Placement Therapy – diagnosis and programme planning in order to develop strategies to treat Dyspraxia and related communication disorders.
Flinders University, Adelaide; Swallowing and DysphagiaJulie successfully completed 40 hours of learning activities focused on normal swallowing, the diagnosis of abnormal swallowing patterns and intervention for Dysphagia across the lifespan.
Social Stories by Carol GrayA well-researched method to address social understanding and social skills.
Literacy – Reading, Writing and SpellingJulie attended the following courses in order to enhance her skills in this area:
The Irlen Institute to train as a senior screener to assess for scotopic sensitivity
Addressing Auditory Processing Difficulties, developing children’s literacy skills
The Developing Brain with Nathan Mikaere Wallis
Reading and the Brain: Using Neuroscience to enhance literacy – with Dr Martha Burns
Sensory IntegrationIn the absence of independent occupational therapists who specialise in sensory integration, Julie attended a five-day course to develop the knowledge and skills in order to help her clients with autism.
Alternative and Augmented CommunicationJulie has attended courses including ‘Integrating iPads into your classroom’ with Spectronics and LAMP training (motor planning and devices) in order to enhance her skills in this area
Julie is acutely aware that working in human communication involves emotions, empathy, engagement, positive emotions and values so she has attended courses including:
Dr Martin Seligman (the father of positive psychology)
Born for Love (What is empathy and why does it matter?)
NLP Business Excellence (Values Awareness, Outcome Thinking and Perceptual Positions)