Diverse Directions
About us
Our team
At Diverse Directions, our team of clinicians is experienced in both NHS and Education Authority settings, as well as the private sector, ensuring a well-rounded approach to care. We specialise in autism assessments and are trained in advanced diagnostic tools, including ADOS-2, to provide thorough and accurate evaluations. Each individual clinician is HCPC registered and brings a wealth of expertise in their respective fields, fostering a collaborative environment for the best possible outcomes. Please see below for more information on our team.
Our team
Clare Dizaei
Speech and Language Therapist
Clare has over 15 years of experience, including 10 years specialising in autism assessment. She has worked in both the NHS and private sector as a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Specialist Neurodevelopmental Practitioner.
Her expertise spans nurseries, schools, and clinical settings, where she assesses and supports children with a wide range of speech, language, and communication needs. Clare has extensive experience working within multidisciplinary teams, conducting complex assessments, and contributing to differential diagnoses. Clare strives to deliver a neuroaffirmative assessment experience, valuing individual strengths and differences while acknowledging the everyday challenges individuals may face.
In addition to direct assessment and intervention, she has designed and delivered training programs for school and nursery staff, equipping them with effective strategies to support communication development.
Committed to ongoing professional development, Clare regularly attends ADOS-2 reliability workshops and is an active member of the Clinical Excellence Network for Diagnostics in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions.
Dr Victoria Mcilwaine
Educational Psychologist
Victoria is a Chartered Practitioner Psychologist, specialising in Developmental and Educational Psychology. With seven years of experience within the Education Authority and managing an independent practice, Victoria also possesses over five years of experience as a post-primary school educator.
Her areas of interest encompass adolescent neurodivergence, trauma, emotional-based school non-attendance, and the effects of neurodivergence on emotional well-being. With extensive experience in multidisciplinary teams and conducting complex assessments, Victoria delivers person-centered and family-centered assessments, emphasising neuro-
affirmative approaches to foster a supportive therapeutic environment.
Victoria has also played a pivotal role in policy development within the Education Authority, staff
training, and the education of doctoral psychology students at Queens University Belfast. She has also presented at numerous conferences and provides bespoke training for educational institutions and parents. She is a staunch advocate for the early identification and intervention of special educational needs and supports neurodivergent children aged 2-25, offering individualised support to them and their families.
In addition to our core multidisciplinary team, we regularly complete assessments and consult with experienced Clinical Psychologists and Paediatricians from both the NHS and private practice to ensure the highest quality of care.
