Professional Experience

Helen Cooke is a highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 18 years’ experience working with autistic children and young people. She was the clinical lead for autism in a school-aged team for 10 years, and most recently developed a new diagnostic and support pathway for under 6s.

Helen holds a Master’s degree in Education (Autism), awarded with distinction, and has extensive experience contributing to multidisciplinary assessment and diagnostic pathways. She is trained in ADOS-2 and has worked closely with families, schools and professionals to support children to better understand themselves and thrive.

Throughout her career, Helen has worked closely with schools and health professionals, and believes strongly in a holistic approach to supporting in the young person, which must always include: the child, the family and the educational setting working together.

Personal Approach

Alongside my professional expertise, I am also a parent to a 9-year-old daughter who is autistic and has ADHD. This brings an additional layer of understanding and compassion to my work, particularly when supporting parents.

I have a particular interest in supporting children and young people who mask their differences, recognising how easily their strengths and challenges can be misunderstood or overlooked. As part of this, I’m very happy to write reports for EHCP applications and tribunals, which highlight the provision required for a young person to thrive, even if they have previously been labelled "too able" or "too verbal"  for additional support.

I am passionate about helping young people develop confidence, self-understanding and self-advocacy within a neuro-affirming and supportive environment.

Helen works at various times in-person and online.

To find out more about Helen’s availability, please speak with the team here, or contact +44 7706 192412