Dr Hollie Burnett

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology – The University of Edinburgh
• PhD Psychology – The University of Hull
• BSc Psychology – The University of Hull

• Diagnostic Assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – National Autism Implementation Team
• Assessment and Diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – The University of Edinburgh
• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) – Cambridge Autism Research Centre
• Autism Diagnostic Interview –Revised (ADIR) – Cambridge Autism Research Centre

I am a Psychologist that works both in the NHS and privately providing complex diagnostic assessments for neurodevelopemtnal conditions. I have worked in the NHS and Social Care settings for the past 20 years with a variety of individuals with mental health, learning, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions.

In my NHS role, I provide supervision and consultancy to other professionals completing complex diagnostic assessments. I have designed and run therapeutic groups which are used nationally for adults with autism and ADHD and I see adults individually with mental health conditions for therapy that is specially adapted to meet their needs.

At the Edinburgh Practice, I provide specialist autism assessments to adults. This includes following national best practice guidance and using gold standard assessment tools. Every individual is different and I aim to tailor a process that best suits the needs and circumstances of the person, as well as making them feel as comfortable as possible during what can feel like a stressful process.

Most people that I see need to understand themselves better after a life time of feeling ‘different’ to others. They wonder why they struggle with relationships and transitions and often feel overwhelmed and burnt out a lot of the time. Most people describe strategies they have used to ‘mask’ or ‘camouflage’ their difficulties that allows them to fit in and feel ‘normal’ but this often leads to further problems with mood and a sense of identity. For a lot of people, their differences and feelings of anxiety have impacted on their work, home life and relationships and they want answers so they can become ‘unstuck’ and move forward with their lives – having the right understanding and support.

I see many individuals with previous diagnoses of conditions such as, Eating Disorders, Personality Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, ADHD and Chronic Fatigue. For some people their previous diagnosis makes sense and could also fit with having autism but for others, they feel misunderstood and invalidated after years of unsuccessful treatment. I have a special interest in complex presentations, which often include women (who are less likely to be diagnosed with autism and more likely mask their differences).  I also have a special interest in Avoidant and Restricted Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) which is a vastly understood eating disorder that many individuals with autism have. This often relates to food sensitivity and introspective problems.