About
Alison Pell, MA (Hons) Psych, RMN, is an Advanced Nurse Specialist in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Non-Medical Independent Prescriber and Director of Headmatters-CI.
Alison specialises in the assessment and management of ADHD and autism across childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Her work includes comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment, diagnostic formulation, medication initiation and review, psychoeducation, and practical recommendations for home, education and employment. She has extensive experience supporting people whose presentation may have been overlooked because of masking, academic ability, co-occurring mental health and physical difficulties or a less stereotypical neurodevelopmental profile.
Her approach is thorough, evidence-informed and firmly person-centred. Alison recognises that an assessment should do more than establish whether someone meets diagnostic criteria. It should help the individual and those around them understand how they process information, communicate, regulate emotions, manage sensory demands and navigate everyday life. She aims to provide clear explanations and realistic recommendations that are genuinely usable, rather than simply handing someone a diagnosis and a very expensive collection of words.
Alongside her professional experience, Alison is neurodivergent herself and is the single parent of neurodivergent children. This gives her both clinical knowledge and an honest understanding of the realities of living within a neurodivergent family. She appreciates the strengths, humour and individuality that neurodivergence can bring, while never minimising the exhaustion, frustration or functional difficulties that can accompany it.
Through Headmatters-CI, Alison provides a compassionate, direct and non-judgemental service in which children, adults and families are listened to, taken seriously and supported to develop a clearer understanding of their individual needs.
Education
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Ma (Hons) Psychology Dundee University 1994 -1998
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Higher National Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Dundee University 2000-2002
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Ba in Nursing Studies Strathclyde University 2002-2004
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V300 Non-Medical independent Presscribing 06/2014
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DISCO training National Autistic SOciety 02/2023
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EMDR Training EMDR Academy 05/2024
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Diploma in Neurodiversity Coaching and Mentoring ADHD Foundation 12/2025
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Masters in Advanced Practice Robert Gordon University 2025-2028