Claire Huxford

I am a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with extensive experience in the assessment and diagnosis of autism and ADHD across the lifespan. For over 15 years, I have worked within multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental services, continually expanding my clinical knowledge and staying current with emerging research and best practice. I am trained and experienced in administering and interpreting a wide range of gold‑standard assessment tools, including the ADOS‑2, ADI‑R, ACIA, ACE and ACE+. My clinical interests include autistic female presentations, co-occurring autism and ADHD (AuDHD), demand avoidance, and situational mutism. I regularly provide training to diagnostic clinicians on the nuanced and often subtle characteristics seen in some individuals, with a focus on recognising masking and supporting accurate, sensitive assessment. As a neurodivergent clinician living in a neurodivergent household, I bring lived experience alongside professional expertise. My approach is warm, relaxed and person‑centred, with an emphasis on creating an assessment environment where individuals feel comfortable, understood and able to share their inner experiences. I use assessments flexibly and thoughtfully, ensuring that strengths are highlighted and that observations are interpreted through a neuroaffirmative lens. I pride myself on delivering assessments and reports that honour each person’s lived experience, celebrate neurodivergent identity, and support meaningful understanding for individuals and their families.