Kent Psychologist

09/02/2026

🌿 Have you been wondering about how to find the right Autism or ADHD assessment? You’re not alone! Many adults and families who reach out to us feel the same way. There is now more information than ever out there about Autism and ADHD. Yet, we know that finding the right service for you can still feel overwhelming.

After more than 20 years of working across both NHS and private assessment services, I’ve put together my top tips on what to look for when choosing an assessment service:

🌟 What matters most is finding a clinician you can trust, someone who will take the time to get to know you (or your child) as an individual. A good assessment isn’t just about reaching a diagnosis. It’s about understanding strengths, challenges and most importantly what support would be helpful going forward. We don't want to change people, we want to help them reach their full potential.

🌟 A good assessment should always include experienced and appropriately qualified clinicians. This means finding a team that is experienced not just in assessing Autism and ADHD, but that can also consider any other areas where support may be required. This allows us to see the whole person.

🌟 To ensure assessments are accepted by the NHS, employers and schools, they should follow NICE guidelines, including the use of the right assessment tools. This means keeping an open mind throughout the assessment with the aim of really understanding a person.

🌟 To bring about positive change and a better understanding following an assessment, you should receive a clear, detailed report with practical recommendations and strategies for support.

🌟 An assessment is often just one part of the journey. A good assessment should always offer support that goes beyond a diagnosis to bring about real lasting change. This might involve meeting again after an assessment. It could include other people who are important in your life and learning more about the diagnosis. For children and young people it might mean supporting schools in implementing change.

At Kent Psychologist we have developed an assessment service that is thoughtful, person-centred and designed to give you clarity and confidence about the next steps in your or your child’s life.

📞 To book a free phone call or find out whether an assessment is the right next step, get in touch by email and ask for our free information pack or visit our website — we’d love to support you!

Dr Sirja van Zyl, Clinical Psychologist
✉️ info@kentpsychologist.co.uk

Adult Psychology & Therapy, Autism Assessments, Neuropsychogical Services, Child & Adolescent Psychology, Supervision & Training.

25/01/2026

Are you thinking about an assessment for yourself or a family member. Perhaps you are not sure where to start?

In this free one hour talk Dr Sirja van Zyl will provide an overview of common questions:

- How do I know whether I/ my partner/ my child/ would benefit from an assessment?

- What are the pros and cons of seeking an assessment?

- How do I find the right assessment service through the NHS or a private clinic?

- What are NICE guidelines and why are they important?

- What is a 'neuroaffirmative' assessment?

- How do I talk to other people about the assessment?

- Do I need to prepare for an assessment?

- What should I expect during and after the assessment?

- How do clinicians actually decide whether to give a diagnosis?

Come and join us! Tickets can be booked via the link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-autism-and-adhd-assessments-your-questions-answered-tickets-1979622751941?aff=oddtdtcreator

11/01/2026

🌻Did you know we offer free training and support to schools?🌻

I couldn’t have wished for a more rewarding way to come back to work after the Christmas break. This week has been all about working with schools. I was lucky enough to spend time in a number of different schools, contributing to CPD on topics focused on supporting neurodivergent students. It’s become a bit of a tradition that my first days back after the holidays are spent at INSET days, and this has always been one of the highlights of my work.

I know only too well that many neurodivergent young people struggle in education, and that the picture is not always ‘rosy’. I am also acutely aware of the many pressures schools are under. And yet, spending time in schools is a powerful reminder of just how much thoughtful, creative and compassionate work is happening. So much of it is unseen, driven by staff who are deeply committed to doing the best they can for each and every student.

As part of our assessment we also always offer free follow up meetings with schools to jointly discuss how best to support the young people we meet. My experience has been that real change takes place when we work together as a team with parents, young people and schools, rather than simply providing a report that may or may not get read.

Over the years it has been wonderful to witness the difference this support can make to young people’s lives and to hear about their individual achievements. For some, this may simply mean finding a way of accessing education that works for them. For others, it has meant gaining a better understanding of themselves and, with the right support in place, going on to pursue their passions and dreams.

I’m really looking forward to more joint working this year. Current projects with schools include plans for student assemblies, parent talks and staff workshops, and I can’t wait to see what else 2026 holds in store!

If you would like to find out more about our assessments or if you know of a school that would like to find out more about our free school CPD programme, please get in touch via our website.

12/10/2025

Very much looking forward to joining this Q&A on the 12th of November.

27/09/2025

🌟 Free Talk: Supporting Autistic Young People with Becoming Independent 🌟
Are you the parent or carer of an autistic young person who’s preparing to leave home for University, College or independent living? Or maybe you’d like to help your young person grow more independent while still living at home?

It’s natural to feel both hopeful and worried about this transition. This free one hour talk with Dr Sirja van Zyl will give you practical advice and clear next steps to support your young person on their journey.

✨ What we’ll cover:
✔️ Common worries parents have when a young person leaves home
✔️ The key skills to focus on before the move
✔️ Supporting your young person in making friends and settling in
✔️ Managing money and spending
✔️ Understanding what support they’re entitled to
✔️ Staying connected after the move
There will also be time for your questions.
📅 Wednesday, 1st of October. 1pm – 2pm (GMT+1)
📍 online
💡 Open to parents and carers of neurodivergent young people
Booking link in the comments: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1325073774329?aff=oddtdtcreator

25/09/2025

I'm very excited to speak at the Together for Send event tomorrow. Please come and say hello if you are joining us!

“Together for SEND families in Kent” presents:
OUR COMMUNITY EVENT!

Hosted by Laura & Kate in partnership with The SEND Consultancy Group

Join us for an empowering and informative day filled with expert speakers, valuable resources, and supportive connections for SEND families and professionals!

What’s in store?
🎤 6 Incredible Guest Speakers:

📚 Lisa Lloyd – Author, Mum & Influencer: “Raising the SEN Betweeners”

👩‍🏫 Mandy Cook – The Autistic Teacher: “Supporting Autistic Children – Ideas for Home & School including PDA”

🧠 Sirja van Zyl – Clinical Psychologist: “Autistic Burnout”

🗣️ Emily B & Andrew Green – Speech & Language Therapists: “Social Communication, Masking + Live Q&A”

🎓 Shirley Moyse – Educational Psychologist: Live Q&A

When: 📅 Friday, 26th September 2025
Time: 🕘 Doors open 9:15 AM | 🕑 Event ends 2:15 PM
Where: 📍 Lordswood Leisure Centre, ME5 8YE
Tickets: 🎟️ Only £5 – Lunch & refreshments included!

👉 Grab your £5 ticket here:
https://buy.stripe.com/eVa9Bg0kw7f65Nu9AA

PLUS:
🧾 Meet local exhibitors including schools, charities, and SEN-focused businesses.

✨ BONUS: Every attendee gets FREE access to our post-conference EHCP workshop with Laura & Kate!

Come and connect with a community that truly understands.

We can’t wait to see you there!

🎟️ Get your £5 ticket here:
https://buy.stripe.com/eVa9Bg0kw7f65Nu9AA

🌍 www.togetherforsend.co.uk
📧 info@togetherforsend.co.uk

13/09/2025

🌟 Come and join our next free Online Event for Parents & Carers 🌟

Would you like to find out more about tics or Tourette Syndrome?

Join us for an informative and supportive online talk with Dr Sirja van Zyl, where she’ll explain everything you need to know about tics and Tourette's.

What you’ll learn:
- What tics and Tourette Syndrome are
- How tics can change as children grow
- Practical ways to support children at home and school
- When it’s time to seek professional help

🎤 Plus: Get your questions answered directly by Dr Sirja during the live Q&A.

👉 Find out more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-tics-and-tourette-syndrome-a-talk-for-parents-and-carers-tickets-993665559437?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

Or visit our website: www.kentpsychologist.co.uk

01/09/2025

🌿 Have you been wondering about how to find the right Autism or ADHD assessment for your child or teenager? You’re not alone — many families who reach out to us feel the same way.

After more than 20 years working across both NHS and private assessment services, I’ve put together my top tips on what to look for when choosing an assessment:

🌟 What matters most is finding a clinician you can trust — someone who will take the time to get to know your child as an individual. A good assessment isn’t just about reaching a diagnosis. It’s about understanding your child’s unique strengths, challenges and most importantly what support would be helpful going forward.

🌟 A good assessment should always include experienced and appropriately qualified clinicians.

🌟 To ensure assessments are accepted by the NHS and schools, they should follow NICE guidelines, including the use of the right assessment tools.

🌟 To bring about positive change and a better understanding following an assessment, you should receive a clear, detailed report with recommendations for you, your child and school.

🌟 An assessment is often just one part of your child’s journey. A good assessment should always offer support that goes beyond a diagnosis. This might be a meeting with your child’s school to discuss next steps, parenting support or guiding your child through transitions in their education and move into adolescence or adulthood.

At Kent Psychologist we have developed an assessment service that is thoughtful, person-centred and designed to give you clarity and confidence about the next steps in your child’s or young person’s life.

📞 To book a free phone call and find out whether an assessment is the right next step for your child, get in touch by email or visit our website — we’d love to support you and your family.

Dr Sirja van Zyl, Clinical Psychologist

✉️ info@kentpsychologist.co.uk

🌐

Adult Psychology & Therapy, Autism Assessments, Neuropsychogical Services, Child & Adolescent Psychology, Supervision & Training.

21/05/2025

Come and join us for the next event in our series of free workshops with Dr Sirja van Zyl, Clinical Psychologist.

Are you looking or waiting for an Autism or ADHD assessment for a child, young person or yourself? Or perhaps you are wondering whether an assessment is the right next step, but are not sure how to decide? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin?

Whether you're a parent, carer, teacher or someone considering an assessment for yourself – you are welcome to join us for this free one-hour talk.

👩‍⚕️ Dr Sirja van Zyl, is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience in both the NHS and private practice. She has worked extensively with neurodivergent children and young people, helping families and professionals navigate assessments with clarity and confidence.

Dr Sirja believes that access to clear and professional information should be available to anyone. So she has created a series of free talks and workshops.

In this next talk, Dr Sirja will explore:
🔍 How do I know if an assessment is needed?
⚖️ What are the pros and cons of getting a diagnosis?
🏥 How do I find the right service?
📜 What are NICE guidelines and why do they matter?
💬 How do professionals decide whether to give a diagnosis?
🌱 What is a 'neuroaffirmative' approach – and why is it important?
🗣️ How do I talk to a child or teen about the assessment?
🔎 What happens during the assessment, and what follow up support should I expect?

You will also have the chance to ask Dr Sirja your questions during a live Q&A session.

✅ Free to attend | Booking details can be found on our website www.kentpsychologist.co.uk , on Eventbrite and in the comments section below.

Please feel free to share with families, carers, and teachers who may benefit.

15/04/2025

🌟 Free Talks for Parents & Carers of Neurodivergent Children 🌟

We’re excited to continue our popular series of free community talks supporting parents and carers of neurodivergent children with Dr Sirja van Zyl, Clinical Psychologist.

Sirja is an expert in Autism and ADHD assessments and passionate about providing accessible information to create a positive future for neurodivergent young people.

💬 Each session offers a warm, accessible space for learning, sharing, and connection—with plenty of time for questions and conversation.

Topics include practical strategies, emotional wellbeing, and understanding the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent kids.

🗓 Spaces are limited to keep things personal and supportive—so be sure to book early!

➡️Booking information and more details about each talk can be found here: https://www.kentpsychologist.co.uk/parent-carer-workshops/. The link can also be found in the comments below as some people can not access this in the post.

02/03/2025

Are you a parent or caregiver looking to better understand how your autistic child can be supprted in school? Then come and join us for this insightful talk. Dr Sirja van Zyl and Louise Hickman will share their joint experience and knoweldge. This workshop will explore:

🔹 The importance of valuing strengths and supporting autistic children to thrive in education.

🔹 Why autistic children may sometimes struggle in school and the unique challenges they often face.

🔹 Early signs to look out for and why these can sometimes go unnoticed.

🔹 How autistic children can be supported in school.

🔹 Working in collaboration with your child’s school to support their development.

The talk includes a Q&A session, so bring your questions and get practical, expert advice on supporting your child’s educational journey.

Dr Sirja van Zyl is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience of supporting children and young people. After working in the NHS for many years, she now runs an independent Psychology Practice in Kent. Sirja regularly teaches and provides information and education to parents, teachers and clinicians. Sirja has a special interest in neurodevelopmental presentations, including Autism, ADHD and tics and Tourette’s syndrome. She offer private Autism and ADHD assessments and is passionate about supporting families in accessing the right support.

Louise Hickman runs Kent Autism Education Service. She is an Education Specialist who has 30 years experience working within the field of education and special educational needs. She is a qualified teacher, qualified SENCo and holds a Post Graduate qualification in Autism.
Louise started her career teaching science in mainstream secondary schools, then worked as a SEN teacher before being given the opportunity to establish and develop a specialist provision for autistic children and young people which she ran for five years. Following this, Louise worked for Kent County Council’s SEND Service for six years, in a range of senior roles.
Through Louise's own family’s experience she understands the importance of securing appropriate educational provision for your child, including the impact on the child and family when this isn’t in place.

Booking details are here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-sen-support-for-autistic-children-in-school-tickets-1265690828339?aff=oddtdtcreator