Oasis Psychological Services

02/08/2025

“Could This Be ADHD, Autism — or Both?” A Neurodivergent-Centred Perspective

Many people — especially women, non-binary individuals, and those who’ve spent years masking — reach a point where they begin to wonder:

“Why do I feel different?”
“Could this be ADHD, Autism, or both?”
“How have I managed for so long, and why does it feel harder now?”

At Oasis, our assessments are designed to make sense of your lived experience. We don’t rely solely on checklists — we take time to understand how things have felt across your life.

We listen for the story beneath the surface — how you’ve managed, what’s been misunderstood, what’s helped, and what it’s cost you.

Our approach is affirming, collaborative, and grounded in clinical expertise as well as deep respect for your lived experience. We follow NICE guidelines throughout the assessment process, and all of our clinicians are highly trained, HCPC-registered professionals with extensive experience in both ADHD and Autism across the lifespan.

A diagnosis, if appropriate, isn’t a label — it’s a lens. One that can bring clarity, self-compassion, and access to meaningful support.

💻 We offer assessments online or in person from our base in Kent
🧠 For adults, children, and young people

📩 Email us at info@oasispsychologicalservices.co.uk to enquire or book an initial consultation.

02/08/2025

A very insightful blog by my colleague, Carien Sabey, Occupational Therapist, reflecting on the emotional and mental work that rarely gets named, but is always there for families supporting children with invisible disabilities.

It speaks so clearly to the ongoing, often unseen effort many of you know all too well — the thinking ahead, the regulating, the advocating, the constant adapting. If you’ve ever felt that others don’t quite see the full picture, this piece may offer recognition and comfort.

🧡 Invisible Disabilities: The Hidden Load on Families
By Carien Sabey
👉 https://sabeyot.com/the-hidden-load-of-invisible-disabilities-on-families

“But they don’t look disabled…”

If you’re raising or teaching a child who is autistic, ADHD, sensory-sensitive, or navigating trauma, anxiety, or chronic pain, you might have heard these or similar words. You’ve probably felt it.

Invisible disabilities don’t come with a visual cue. They come with a whole lot of invisible labour from the child and their family. These are the kids who often get labelled “normal”, “naughty,” “lazy,” or “too much,” when what’s really happening is overwhelm, dysregulatiInvisible disabilities don’t come with a visual cue. They come with a whole lot of invisible labour from the child and their family. These are the kids who often get labelled “normal”, “naughty,” “lazy,” or “too much,” when what’s really happening is overwhelm, dysregulati , or shutdown.

These are the families managing:
🌀 School meltdowns
🌀 Misunderstood behaviour
🌀 Systems that demand proof
🌀 All while being judged

In our recent article, we share what it’s really like and what helps:
💛 Leading with kindness
💛 Believing families
💛 Supporting instead of “fixing”
💛 Celebrating differently

If you’re in this too, you’re not alone. And if you’re not, but want to better understand, we invite you to read with curiosity.

Link in comments.

31/07/2025

“There is nowhere else I’d rather be than with them”
A reflection for parents of autistic children

I was reading an article this morning and it made me think about the many parents we’ve met at Oasis over the years.

I wanted to take a moment to say something important.

We know that parenting an autistic child can be really hard. Many of the parents we see feel exhausted. They’ve spent years trying to understand their child, support them, and speak up for them. It’s tiring—especially when people don’t always understand.

But what also stands out to us is the love, pride, and joy parents talk about too.

Some say things like,
“There is nowhere else I’d rather be than with them.”
Others talk about the moments they laugh together, or how amazing it is to watch their child grow into exactly who they are.

This article reminded me of that. It showed that many parents feel both things at once: the weight, and the joy.

At Oasis, we try to make space for both.
We see how hard you work. We also see how much you care.
You are doing more than you know. And you’re not alone.

🧡
Dr Floriana Reinikis
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Oasis Psychological Services

📄 Inspired by Heyworth et al., 2025 “There is Nowhere Else That I’d Rather be Than with Them”: Parents’ Positive Experiences Parenting Autistic Children.

Photo of Loki on a walk during our family holiday through Northern and Eastern Europe.

29/07/2025

🌟 “My neurodiversity helps me play at the highest level” – Lucy Bronze

We wanted to share this beautiful piece from UEFA, where footballer Lucy Bronze opens up about her neurodivergence and how it’s shaped her as a person and a player.

She speaks honestly about being seen as “different” growing up, feeling misunderstood at times and how, looking back, those differences are part of what makes her who she is.
More than that they’re part of what makes her brilliant.

“My neurodiversity is what allows me to play football at the highest level.”

For so many of the families and adults we work with — including those coming to understand their neurodivergence later in life — this kind of story matters.
It reminds us that being neurodivergent isn’t a limitation. It’s a different way of experiencing the world.
And often, it’s a source of strength.

Not because someone “succeeds despite it” — but because their brain works in a way that brings unique focus, creativity, persistence, and passion.

There’s still a lot of work to do around awareness, access, and support — but we also need more of these stories.
Stories of thriving. Of being accepted as you are. Of using your differences, not hiding them.

Here’s the article if you’d like to read:
🔗 https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/029b-1e520f9f2e52-5198bfdda1c2-1000–lucy-bronze-my-neurodiversity-helps-me-play-at-the-highest-/

🧠🌿 If you or your child are exploring what it means to be neurodivergent — and are looking for a team who can offer compassionate, specialist assessment and support — we’re here.

At Oasis Psychological Services, we offer high-quality, neuroaffirming ADHD and Autism assessments for both children and adults, as well as thoughtful post-diagnostic support to help you make sense of your story, at your pace.

23/06/2025

I almost didn’t share this…

Because rest doesn’t always come naturally — especially when your nervous system is wired for doing, overdoing, proving, and keeping it all together.

As an ADHDer and Clinical Psychologist, I’ve spent years unlearning the idea that rest has to be earned. That you have to be productive enough to deserve a pause. That it’s only safe to stop when everything is done (and for many of us, it’s never all done).

But this moment — sitting with family, sipping a cocktail, letting the day go — reminded me of something I often say to others but still need to hear myself:

✨ You are allowed to rest.
✨ You don’t have to earn it.
✨ Slowing down is part of the work.

Whether you’re a parent supporting a child through big feelings and sensory overwhelm, or a neurodivergent adult trying to navigate burnout, masking, or expectations — please know:
You are allowed to stop and breathe.
Rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

If no one’s told you lately: You’re doing enough. You are enough.

🍸 (And yes, the cocktail helped.)

12/04/2025

🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹 Aprile è il Mese dell’Accettazione dell’Autismo.

In questo video condivido alcune riflessioni su cosa significhi davvero accettare l’autismo, andando oltre l’inclusione formale e riconoscendo il valore delle menti neurodivergenti.

La neurodivergenza non è un errore da correggere, ma una differenza da comprendere, rispettare e celebrare.

Guardate il video e condividetelo se vi è piaciuto o vi ha fatto riflettere.
Seguitemi per altri contenuti su autismo, ADHD e neurodivergenza.

Un saluto da me e da Loki 🐾

08/04/2025

April is Autism Acceptance MonthAutism acceptance is more than awareness. It’s about truly seeing, valuing, and including autistic people for who they are—not who we expect them to be.It means celebrating strengths, supporting differences, and making space for neurodivergent voices in all areas of life.Let’s shift the focus from fixing to understanding, from tolerance to true inclusion

02/02/2025

🌟Comprehensive ADHD & Autism Assessments – A Neuroaffirming Approach🌟

At Oasis Psychological Services, we understand that ADHD and Autism don’t always look like the stereotypes. Many children, adolescents, and adults go undiagnosed for years because their experiences don’t fit the traditional mould.

Our neuroaffirming assessments go beyond a checklist of symptoms. We take a comprehensive, strengths-based approach, exploring:
✅ Unique challenges and strengths
✅ Possible co-occurring conditions
✅ Individual identity and lived experiences
✅ Personalised recommendations for support at school, home, work, and relationships

Our assessments are a collaborative process, ensuring you feel heard, understood, and supported—whether for yourself or your child.

📍 Assessments for children & adolescents: Face-to-face in our Ashford offices (parental interviews can be online).
💻 Assessments for adults: Choice of face-to-face in our offices or online.

We are a highly experienced and well-established service led by specialist Clinical Psychologists with extensive expertise in ADHD and Autism across the lifespan. Our team has supported individuals of all ages—including those whose profiles do not fit traditional diagnostic stereotypes. Families and individuals travel from across the UK, including Kent, London, Surrey, Sussex, and Wales, to access our in-depth, neuroaffirming assessments.

📩 **Book an initial consultation with one of our Clinical Psychologists**:
📧 info@oasispsychologicalservices.co.uk

We aim to offer a caring and professional mental health service provision that is tailored to the needs of our service-users. Learn more inside.

25/12/2024

As the year comes to an end, we just wanted to send a big thank you to everyone we’ve worked with over the past year. Whether you’ve come to us for assessments, support, or advice, it’s been such a privilege to be part of your journey.

This time of year can be both magical and a little overwhelming, so we hope you can find moments to rest, recharge, and celebrate all the incredible progress you’ve made. We’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved—big or small.

Here’s to a Christmas full of kindness (especially to yourself!) and a New Year that brings more of the good stuff. We’ll be here to support you every step of the way in 2025.

Wishing you a peaceful and happy holiday season,
The Oasis Psychological Services Team

25/10/2024

🌟 Fostering Independence and Self-Belief in Neurodivergent Children and Teens 🌟

Every child needs support in learning how to become independent, but neurodivergent children and teens, such as those with Autism or ADHD, often require extra guidance. They may develop emotionally and socially at a younger level than their peers, which means fostering independence can take more time and care.

Here are some key strategies for helping ND kids and teens develop the confidence and skills to be more independent:

Help Them Set Goals 🎯: Guide them in brainstorming goals, but let them take ownership. Letting them decide on their goals fosters self-belief.

Reflect on Overcoming Barriers 💪: Look back on their past successes and discuss what they’ve learned about themselves. What worked, and what skills did they develop?

Notice and Be Aware 👀: Gently notice their challenges without judgment. Helping them reflect can encourage growth in areas where they need support.

Validate Their Effort 🌱: Acknowledge and celebrate their effort towards their goals, even if they haven’t fully achieved them yet. Validation is key to building self-confidence.

Encourage Asking for Help 🙋: Teach them that asking for help is a skill, not a weakness. Support them in reaching out for help when they need it, whether at home or in school.

Accept Mistakes as Part of Growth 🌿: Neurodivergent kids may be more sensitive to criticism, especially when they make mistakes. Instead of saying, “I told you so,” try: “I’ve been there too, and it’s okay.” This approach shows support and encourages resilience.

At Oasis Psychological Services, we understand the unique challenges ND children and teens face in developing independence. We are passionate about helping them grow through neuroaffirming support tailored to their needs.

Contact us at info@oasispsychologicalservice.co.uk for more resources and support! 🌿

22/10/2024

I’m incredibly passionate about understanding ADHD and how it impacts people of all ages. Through my work, I’ve seen so many individuals struggle with a cycle that can feel impossible to break. That’s why I’ve created this visual illustration to shed light on what many ADHDers experience daily. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:

🔵 Tasks Within Ability: It starts with tasks the individual knows they can complete. They have the skills needed to do it, but something begins to get in the way. 🎯

🔵 Inconsistent Performance: Even though they can perform the tasks, their performance is often inconsistent. One day they’re highly productive, and the next, they may struggle to get anything done. This inconsistency can be confusing and frustrating. 😓📉

🔵 Executive Functioning (EF) Difficulties: This inconsistency is largely due to Executive Functioning (EF) difficulties—skills like planning, organising, time management, and prioritising. People with ADHD often struggle in these areas, making it hard to stay organised or on top of tasks, even when they want to. 🗂️🕒

🔵 Not Fulfilling Potential: Over time, these struggles lead the individual to feel like they’re not living up to their potential. They know they can do more, but the gap between their abilities and actual performance grows, leading to frustration and disappointment. 😔🚧

🔵 Self-Mistrust Beliefs: This is where self-mistrust beliefs develop. Over time, a combination of external feedback (comments from teachers, parents, or colleagues about missed deadlines or underperformance) and internal self-criticism reinforces the idea that they can’t trust themselves to follow through. These negative beliefs erode their confidence, trapping them in a cycle of self-doubt. 💭❌

🔵 Escape/Avoidance Behaviours: To cope with mounting stress and self-doubt, they start avoiding tasks altogether. Procrastination and distraction become coping mechanisms, offering temporary relief but ultimately making the situation worse. Tasks pile up, and the cycle continues. ⏳🚶‍♀️

At Oasis Psychological Services, we are deeply committed to supporting individuals through these challenges. Our clinical psychologists and therapists are trained in providing post-diagnostic support for ADHD, using personalised approaches that adapt therapies like CBT, ACT, and CFT specifically for ADHD. These interventions focus on improving executive functioning, self-compassion, and emotional regulation.

We are here to help you break free from this cycle and regain control of your life. 🌟 For tailored support, contact us at info@oasispsychologicalservice.co.uk.

You don’t have to face this alone. 💬

19/10/2024

Thank you Neurochild Community for posting such a powerful quote!!

As a clinical psychologist specialising in neurodivergence, this quote from Dr Bruce Perry resonates deeply. When the expectations of society or the environment are misaligned with a child’s developmental differences—whether due to ADHD, Autism, dyslexia, DLD, or other neurodevelopmental conditions—it can create significant emotional, cognitive, and social stress. Children are often left feeling inadequate or frustrated, leading to secondary issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, or behavioural problems. The key is to adjust our expectations and environments to fit the child’s developmental profile, fostering growth in a supportive and understanding context. A neuroaffirmative approach ensures that we meet the child where they are, rather than forcing them to meet unrealistic external demands.

When we expect more from children than they can handle developmentally, we risk creating unnecessary challenges for them. Dr. Bruce Perry reminds us to meet kids where they are and nurture their potential with patience. 🌱

✨ Find Neurochild on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurochild/