Meet the Team
Our multi-disciplinary team have varied experience and vast knowledge in working with people of all ages with neurodevelopmental conditions. All of the team are trained in using the assessment tools required and attend regular supervision and reliability workshops.
Dr Andrew Parkinson
Director at Sussex Autism Assessments
Principal Clinical Psychologist
I am a Principal Clinical Psychologist, having worked in the field of psychology for over 20 years, across the NHS Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), in private practice and as an Expert Witness for the UK Family Courts. I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Cardiff University and obtained my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University of Hertfordshire. I have a specialist interest in assessing and working with children, young people and adults with neurodivergent conditions as well as those with developmental trauma. I am HCPC registered.
Esther Hiley
Speech and Language Therapist
I trained as a Speech and Language Therapist at the University of Manchester graduating in 2003. I am a registered Speech and Language Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council and a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
I have a wide range of experience working with children and young people with speech, language, communication and learning difficulties in mainstream and special educational settings, clinics and preschools. I have specialised in working with children with complex communication needs in particularly assessment, diagnosis and intervention for children, young people and adults with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). I have also worked within specialist multidisciplinary clinics both privately and within the NHS. She works collaboratively with families and educators to support children and young people develop their communication and interaction skills.
I previously worked as a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for ASC and ADHD in Croydon NHS, running joint diagnostic clinics, providing therapy for children as well as training and advice for schools and other professionals. I currently work privately as part of the team in diagnosing ASC and related conditions and within a mainstream independent school.
Molly Noble
Assistant Psychologist
I am an Assistant Psychologist, registered with the BPS. I work in private practice delivering therapy to children and young adults who are experiencing difficulties such as phobias, low mood, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating difficulties and anxiety. I also have valuable experience of supporting children and young people in various roles, including tutoring children with special educational needs and supporting young people to develop independent living skills. In my work, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.
At Sussex Autism Assessments, I support the work of the clinical team. This includes contributing to clinical interviews, administering screening tools and contributing to wider formulation and recommendations.
Iris Varela
Social Worker, CBT Therapist & Autism Tutor
Having worked and trained in New York City, I have 20 years professional experience working with the neurodiverse community. This includes a range of evidence-based interventions, as well as delivering autism assessments, CBT, working with family members and providing psychoeducation. In addition, I offer support to the wider network, such as schools, universities and places of employment to help tailor adaptations to autistic people. Currently I’m also employed by CAMHS and teach at the Anna Freud Centre as a Practice Tutor on the ASC/LD post graduate programme, and am Course Tutor for the Senior Wellbeing Practitioner programme. I am HCPC registered.
I also offer post diagnostic support for people who have been assessed and diagnosed at Sussex Autism Assessment.
Hasan El-Masry
Trainee Clinical Psychologist
I am an NHS Trainee Clinical Psychologist at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and member of the British Psychological Society. I have experience working in the consultation, assessment and intervention of children, adolescents and adults with autism, as well as other neurodevelopmental and mental health presentations.
Dr Elizabeth Scott-Gliba
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 1992 and have worked in continuous service for the NHS since, in a range of specialties. During my time in the NHS I have worked with a large neurodiverse population of clients privately and within a community NHS setting. I have worked using evidence based interventions and, as a board member of the Outlook Foundation have offered consultancy on a population of young neurodiverse adults making the transition from family life to independence. I have also facilitated psychoeducational groups for the parents of young children and teenagers to help them understand and support their neurodiverse children. I am currently the Head of Psychological Therapies at a Sussex based trauma hospital where I support the neurodiverse staff members and advise the hospital board on how to make the working environment more attractive to prospective and diverse applicants. I also work alongside Sussex Autism Assessments delivering Autism Assessments. I am HCPC and an Associate Fellow of the BPS.
