ABOUT US
DR SIMON BIRD
Simon graduated from the Plymouth University clinical psychology doctoral training programme in 1999. He worked in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Bristol between 2000 and 2016. Between April 2016 and March 2018 he was the lead psychologist for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, but now works exclusively in private practice. He is eligible for chartered status through the British Psychological Society. He is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Simon is formally trained in the identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), having completed certified courses on the use of the ADOS-2 and the 3Di developmental interview. He also specialises in assessment and therapeutic work with adolescents and young adults with mental health difficulties, particularly where these difficulties are co-existent with Autism Spectrum concerns. He has experience of working with the majority of common mental health difficulties and has also worked with young people with learning disabilities, drug and alcohol dependency and complex developmental difficulties.
In his other role, Simon provides psychological assessments as an expert witness to the Family Courts. This includes work with children and adults who are subject to care proceedings due to child protection concerns, or where there are difficulties establishing acceptable contact and residency arrangements after a parental separation. Sometimes this overlaps with his work with autism, and he has increasingly been instructed to conduct assessments where ASD issues may be present. If you are in this type of situation, please visit Simon's sister site at https://formulate.org.uk.
DR JONATHAN JONES
Jonathan graduated from Plymouth University Doctoral Clinical Psychology training in 2002 and has worked in adult mental health and learning disability services in the NHS, the private sector, and in the New Zealand public health service. He has worked with people with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in various roles, since 1989. He has experience of working with children in school and residential settings, adults, families, and care workers in respect of ASD.
Jonathan is registered with the Health Professions Council and has extensive experience assessing and diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders since 2005.
Jonathan has a very positive view of ASD. He understands that there are many difficulties experienced by people as a result of neurodiversity but that it also brings great strengths and personal qualities.