We offer expert neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological assessment to ensure your child receives the understanding and support they need to reach their potential in every area of their lives.
Dr Cassie Jackson specialises in paediatric neuropsychology and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and leads our neurodevelopmental assessment service.
We offer comprehensive, holistic assessments to support children, young people and adults who may be presenting with ASD, ADHD, FASD and other cognitive, learning and behavioural challenges. We can help provide the clarity and peace of mind that you and your child need.
ASD and ADHD
We provide NICE-compliant assessments of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for children, adolescents and adults. Our holistic approach facilitates a better understanding of their presentation and enables detailed recommendations for any onward support they need. We are also able to assess children and young people for other cognitive, learning and behavioural challenges.
FASD
We specialise in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Dr Cassie Jackson is one of the UK’s leading experts in the assessment, diagnosis and support of children and young people with FASD.
Dr Jackson has over fifteen years of experience in working with children and young people affected by FASD, including holding a part-time role with the Surrey National FASD Clinic. Dr Jackson provides diagnostic assessments relating to the neurocognitive profile associated with FASD and offers updated neuropsychological assessments for children previously diagnosed with FASD and are approaching key transition periods, such as beginning secondary school, or planning for independence post-education.
Why come to PCEA?
Some children struggle more than others, and the reasons aren’t always clear at first glance. This can make them and their families feel isolated, alone and as though the world does not make sense. We have expertise in paediatric neuropsychology and neurodevelopment to provide clarity to the most complex of presenting problems. With years of experience, backed by evidence-based practice and research, we can help you discover what makes your child unique and offer vital avenues for support to help them to reach their potential and be fully understood.
Stats and facts
Dr Cassie Jackson has…
- Over 15 years of experience in working in the assessment and diagnosis of children and young people with FASD.
- Conducts professionals training in FASD for many Local Authorities across the UK, also for Virtual Schools, NHS community paediatric and CAMHS teams, schools, and children’s homes.
- Provides parenting workshops for adoptive and foster families affected by FASD across the UK.
- Holds a part-time post with the Surrey FASD Clinic working with Dr Raja Mukherjee.
Book an assessment with PCEA
My son had navigated the ‘system’ being pushed from one professional to another where no one had the combined skills to support his complexity of needs. We found Cassie and a diagnosis where I cannot begin to tell you the difference it has made to his (and my) mental health. We are finally listened to, and he is able to recognise that it is his condition that provides him with the challenges, whereas before, he said he just felt he was the only one who was like this which was so isolating for him (and me!). Since finding FASD Southwest, where Cassie referred us after diagnosis, we have all found friendship and acceptance; it’s like we have a warm hug every day because of the support we receive. It’s life-changing!
FAQs:
Waiting times for assessments may vary, but we endeavour to offer appointments within six–eight weeks of your referral.
Because there are different costs associated with different types of assessment, after we receive your initial enquiry we will be in touch with our recommendations regarding the assessment we believe to be most appropriate for you or your child alongside the associated costs.
No, you do not need a GP referral to be assessed by PCEA, though we do sometimes receive referrals from GPs. We also receive referrals from Local Authorities and schools.
Video consultation with parents or guardians will take place a week or two before the assessment itself. The face-to-face assessment will usually be conducted in one day, however, if it benefits the child to conduct the assessment over two or more days, we are always happy to accommodate. On occasion, clinician availability may mean that your assessment could be completed sooner if split across two days. In all cases, we will let you know and arrange assessments to suit your needs and availability.
If an assessment adheres to NICE Guidelines, as is the case with PCEA, it would be difficult for an NHS health professional to question the diagnosis. In many cases, our assessment processes are more comprehensive than those offered by NHS services.
If a health professional does reject a diagnosis following a PCEA assessment, they would need to provide written evidence regarding their rationale for rejection – this is incredibly rare. Our clinicians are always happy to liaise with NHS professionals to resolve any concerns that may arise.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a life-long neurodevelopmental disorder caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. Not all alcohol-exposed pregnancies result in a baby being born with FASD, but the risk is significant and there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. It is therefore recommended by the World Health Organisation that alcohol be avoided entirely during the pregnancy, including when planning for a pregnancy.
There are, nonetheless, many reasons why some women have alcohol-exposed pregnancies. This may include not realising they are pregnant until later in the pregnancy, not understanding the risks involved, or for some, having a dependency upon alcohol, making abstinence difficult. If you are currently pregnant, and there has been some alcohol exposure, it is important to discuss this with the medical team looking after you, who will provide advice and support. You may also wish to visit the National Organisation for FASD for further information.
If a child is diagnosed with FASD, they may have a range of physical, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive difficulties. Children who have FASD often also have ADHD and/or ASD as part of their condition. They generally have what are described as ‘spiky’ cognitive profiles, with significant weaknesses in some areas, and relative strengths in others. A very small number of children have what are known as sentinel facial features associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, but most do not. Some children also have non-specific physical manifestations of alcohol exposure, such as problems with their sight, hearing, heart, or kidneys.
If you believe your child may have FASD, or has previously been diagnosed, there are professionals available to support you, so please do not be afraid to reach out to us.
Our Psychologists Directory
Dr Cassie Jackson
BPS, HCPC
Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Post Doctoral Diploma Paediatric Neuropsychology
Chartered Psychologist, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Associate Fellow – British Psychological Society.
Dr Cassie Jackson is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with expertise as an expert witness in Child Protection. She also specialises in paediatric neuropsychology and neurodevelopmental disorders including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Dr Jackson is an HCPC registered practitioner psychologist and has chartered membership with the British Psychological Society, for whom she is also an Associate Fellow. She holds a post-doctoral diploma in Paediatric Neuropsychology.
In addition to being clinical director at PCEA and clinical lead for our neurodevelopmental service, Dr Jackson also holds a part-time role with the Surrey FASD Clinic. She is a member of the National FASD Experts Committee, working closely with the National Organisation for FASD, FASD Southwest, FASD UK Alliance and other affiliated organisations.
Dr Jackson also has significant expertise in the psychological assessment of adults, families and children of all ages for the family courts. This includes providing an understanding of often complex dynamics which may be maintaining poor functioning within family systems, including parental capacity for change. Dr Jackson has extensive experience in receiving instructions with the following areas of difficulty:
- Fabricated/ induced illness, domestic violence, abuse within relationships, controlling and coercive behaviour, substance misuse (drugs and/or alcohol), mental health difficulties, neglect, early childhood trauma and abuse, non-accidental injury and neurodiversity.
Dr Jackson also has almost twenty years of experience in assessing for a range of neurodevelopmental conditions and advising on best support and management following diagnosis. She has specific expertise in the assessment and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Dr Laura Barnes
BPS, HCPC
Doctor in Clinical Psychology
Dr Laura Barnes is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, registered with the HCPC and British Psychological Society. Since qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist, Dr Barnes has worked across both NHS and independent services. She offers psychological therapies and assessment to a range of individuals, but primarily to children and adolescents. She has a particular interest in neurodevelopmental conditions and has extensive experience in offering specialist assessment of both autism and ADHD.
Dr Barnes has experience of working with individuals with a range of presenting strengths and needs and has frequently been involved in complex assessments where careful consideration of differential formulation has been required. Dr Barnes is trained to administer and code Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R).
Dr Barnes is passionate about offering high quality and person-centred assessments to individuals. She recognises the importance of these assessments in helping individuals to recognise their strengths and in accessing the appropriate care and support moving forward.
Mr Nick Booth
ASLTIP, HCPC
Speech and Language Therapist, BA (Hons) BSc (Hons) Cert.MRCSLT
Nick Booth has a BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy from the University of East Anglia. He graduated in 2007 having previously graduated from The University of York in 2001 with a BA (Hons) in English Language and Linguistic Science.
He specialises in the assessment and treatment of a range of speech, language and communication disorders. He treats a mixed caseload of children, young adults and adults who have a range of speech, language and communication difficulties.
His clinical interests and specialisms include:
- Paediatric speech and language difficulties including disordered phonology, central auditory processing disorder and developmental dyspraxia.
- Traumatic/acquired brain injury in children and adults
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome including Pathological Demand Avoidance
- Learning disability in children and adults
Nick is qualified to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and works collaboratively with Clinical Psychologists and other relevant allied health, social care and medical professionals within a multi-disciplinary team. He has an excellent knowledge of assessment and intervention approaches, ensuring that all work follows current best practice guidelines and is evidence-based.
Nick works closely with teachers, learning support assistants, Educational Psychologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and ENT Consultants and associated medical professionals as part of MDT assessment and therapy intervention.
He treats patients individually and in small groups. Nick works in clinics, in schools and colleges throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, in the patient’s home and in nursing homes.
He has represented parents at Educational Tribunal for children with special educational needs. Nick has also co-written and presented several training presentations for teachers, LSAs and parents covering clinical areas such as: child language development, cerebral palsy, learning disorder and traumatic brain injury.
He maintains his professional standards and clinical knowledge through an on-going programme of CPD courses and training. He participates in work-based and professional training and reflection and has completed courses within the following clinical areas: Pathological Demand Avoidance, Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome, Voice and its disorders, Acquired Brain Injury, Dyspraxia, Picture Exchange Communication System and Makaton Signing.
Nick Booth is a certified member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Dr Peter Cairns
BPS
Chartered Clinical Psychologist
Registered with the Health & Care Professions Council
Dr Cairns has longstanding experience of conducting assessments with adults, children and adolescents, including assessments of mental health, personality, parenting, cognition, neurodevelopmental issues (e.g., autism and ADHD) and the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect.
Dr Cairns has over 10-years’ experience of working as an expert witness in family court cases, providing psychological assessment reports and giving oral evidence in court.
Dr Cairns has worked therapeutically with individuals, groups and families for many years, using a range of psychological approaches. This includes working with people with mood problems, emotional regulation or anger difficulties, interpersonal and relationship issues, and people suffering from the impact of past trauma.
More information
Search our comprehensive FAQs on FASD, ASD and ADHD for answers on assessments, bookings, diagnosis and support.
Learn through our specialised training programmes, gaining support and expert insights into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Explore our selection of readings to enhance your understanding and enrich your knowledge.
Discover more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and if your child would benefit from a consultation with our experts.
Enhance your knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and access the right support for your child.
Learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and find the right support for your child at PCEA.
Further Reading
Global intellectual ability and adaptive functioning in children with FASD with and without sentinel facial features.
Martinez-Cengotitabengoa, M., Jackson, C.L., Pugh E.J., Long Martinez, D., Sanchez-Martinez, A., Sanchez-Martinez, M., Bermudez-Ampudia, C. and Martinez-Cengotitabengoa, M. T.
© Taylor & Francis Group, LLC 2023.
FASD: The neurodevelopmental disorder frequently overlooked within Family Law.
Jackson, C.J.
© Family Law Week 2023.
Psychopharmacological Treatments in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Review.
Ritfield, G.J., Kable, J.A., Holton, J.E., Coles, C.D.
© The Author(s), under licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC part of Springer Nature 2021.
The Neuropsychological Profile of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Chapter 2.
Jackson, C.L., Martinez-Cengotitabengoa, M., Peters-Corbett, A.E., Diaz-Gutiérrez, M.J., Martinez-Cengotitabengoa, M.
Horizons in Neuroscience Research, Volume 41. Costa, A and Villalba, E. (eds.)
© Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 2020.
FASD and the Concept of ‘Intellectual Disability Equivalence.’
Greenspan, S., Brown NN. and Edwards W.
© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016.
Nelson, M. and Trussler M, (eds.), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Adults: Ethical and Legal Perspectives, International Library of Ethics, Law and the New Medicine 63, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-20866-4_15.
