Butterflies Diagnostics was created in response to the divide many neurodivergent people and families experience within health, education and diagnostic systems. This practice exists as a collaborative space offering acknowledgement, clarity and validation, alongside assessment, resources, support and signposting.
My work is grounded in the Neurodiversity Paradigm. This means recognising that there is no single “right” way to think, communicate, sense, regulate or participate. Every brain bodyand nervous system is different, and human neurocognitive variation is part of human diversity.
Within this framework, neurodivergence is best understood in relation to neuro-normativity: the dominant social, cultural, educational and workplace norms that privilege certain ways of thinking, communicating, sensing, regulating and engaging with the world. Neurodivergent people are often marginalised not because they are “wrong” or “disordered”, but because systems are frequently designed around narrow expectations of what communication, learning, behaviour, regulation and participation should look like.
The term neurotypical remains useful when we are naming a privileged social position: people whose ways of thinking, sensing, communicating and participating sit closer to dominant neuronormative expectations often experience greater ease of access, acceptance and belonging within those systems.
Butterflies Diagnostics aims to offer a different kind of space – one that does not ask neurodivergent people to become more acceptable to neuronormative systems, but instead supports understanding, safety, autonomy, access and meaningful inclusion.
As my work is intentionally aligned with the Neurodiversity Paradigm and grounded in respect, validation and strengths‑based, non‑pathologising understanding. I am committed to supporting the development of the outdated SALT/health professionals practices, which are negatively impacting the ND community & supporting an inclusive neurodiversity-affirming framework for future assessment and therapy practices and to promoting the inclusion of neurodivergent professionals within society, health organisations, local authorities and private companies.
I'm Debbie
I am the Director of Butterflies Speech, Language & Communication Services Ltd and the co-founder of ND Diagnostics Professional Partnerships. I also consult with other professionals and settings, develop workbooks and contribute to resources, discussions and articles all under the umbrella of Butterflies Diagnostics.
I am a Highly Specialist Speech, Language & Communication Therapist (BSc Hons), registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
My work rests at the intersection of speech, language and communication, neurodivergent identity, trauma‑informed practice and ethical diagnostic pathways. I work across NHS services, private providers and independent practice, supporting children, young people, adults, families and professionals.
I am neurodivergent, autistic and trauma‑informed. These are incorporated aspects of my clinical work; they inform how I assess, communicate, collaborate and support individuals. Safety, autonomy, consent and lived experience are prioritised alongside clinical expertise and professional standards.
Clinical & Professional Focus
Alongside my broader clinical work, I have particular interest and experience in:
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Autism and Pathological Demand
Avoidance (PDA) -
ADHD
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Burnout, masking, monotropic thinking and menopause
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ARFID
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Complex trauma, including cPTSR and attachment
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Development and use of neurodiversity-affirming diagnostic tools for:
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Speech, Language & Communication
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Autism assessment practice
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Credentials & Professional Registration
My qualifications, accreditations and professional registrations
Highly Specialist Speech, Language & Communication Therapist – BSc (Hons)
HCPC Registered
RCSLT Registered
Fully qualified & accredited ADOS-2 clinician
Fully qualified & accredited ADI-R clinician
Neurodiversity-Affirming
Aligned with the Neurodiversity Paradigm and non-deficit frameworks.
Strengths-Based
Focusing on understanding needs, capacities and values.
Trauma-Informed
Recognising the impact of trauma, burnout and chronic stress.
Autonomy & Consent
Individuals are active participants in all decisions.
Non-Behavioural Practice
No ABA or compliance-based approaches.
Advocacy & Professional Commitments
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Restraint Reduction Network (RRN / RRS) – NHS England and NHS Scotland
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STOMP (Stopping the Over‑Medication of People with a Learning Disability, Autism or Both)
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The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.
Professional Registration & Memberships
Professional Memberships & Networks
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Diagnostics in Autism & Neurodevelopment (CEN)
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Neurodivergent Professionals Network
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Neurodiversity‑Affirming Therapists
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Therapist Neurodiversity Collective
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Autism Practitioner Network (UK)
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Multidisciplinary Professionals Network (MDPN)
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AI for SLTs Network (CEN)
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DLD Ambassador – RADLD & DLD England
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RCSLT South Central Steering Group and Learning Champion
Our assessments include:
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Psychology
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Speech & Language Therapy
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Occupational Therapy
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ADHD prescribing clinics and advice
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EHCP and education legal advice
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Workplace adjustments recommendations and consultation.
I support:
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Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and (RRS).- NHS England and NHS Scotland.
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STOMP (Stopping Over Medication of People with a Learning Disability, autism or both)
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The Oliver McGowan Mandatory training on Learning Disability and Autism.
Butterflies Speech Language & Communication Services
Associations
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
The Health and Care Professionals Council
