Emma Kiernan

Associate Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

BSc (Hons)

Services

• Autism Assessment
• Speech and Language Assessment
• Adoption Support Specialist Assessment
• Post diagnosis support
• Face-to-face
• Online

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy with Honours

Experience

Emma graduated as a Speech and Language Therapist from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff in 2000. She worked in the NHS for 21 years, mostly in a specialist autism assessment and diagnostic team.  Emma has more than 24 years of varied experience in the NHS and within independent practice both as a clinician and in a leadership and management capacity. Emma specialises in the field of autism and neurodevelopmental difficulties/differences from assessment and diagnosis to support for children and adults.

Emma has extensive experience of working with autistic women and girls and is skilled to understand and explore the more subtle and less obvious features. Emma can provide assessments for children and young people who have been adopted and /or have experienced developmental trauma and difficult life experiences where neurodivergence has been suggested. Emma has many years of experience in the assessment, diagnosis and support of children who have autism with a PDA profile. Emma is trained to administer the ADOS-2 assessment both face-to-face and through telepractice.

Emma is also experienced in working with complex speech and language difficulties including Developmental Language Disorder, Selective Mutism and reluctant talkers as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia, Learning Disability, and Sensory Processing differences.

Catherine and Emma first worked together in 2008 in Solihull assessing and diagnosing children and young people with autism. 

Approach

Emma understands the impact that communication difficulties can have on a child and young person’s development in other areas including their behaviour and emotional and social wellbeing. She tailors her advice and support to families with understanding and empathy.

Professional Registrations

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  – Speech and Language Therapist
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)