About us:

Hi, my name is Esme Platt and I set up SEND Support Banbury Ltd in 2022 because SEND specifically neurodiversity is deeply rooted in both lived experience and professional practice.

My social work journey started in 2014 when I volunteered for the Early Intervention Service and in 2015 I completed a Diploma in Social Sciences. I went on to study Social Work and in 2018 I graduated with a 2:1 Bachelor honours degree in Social Work. Since then I have worked as a front-line social worker in child protection until most recently I have become an independent social worker that specialises in safeguarding & SEND.

I provide expert witness reports for the first-tier tribunal (special educational needs & disabilities). I am licensed to conduct ParentAssess parenting assessments which is a specialist parenting assessment for parents that live with a learning disability or additional needs such an trauma, domestic abuse, poor mental health, exploitation or alcohol or drug misuse.

In addition to this I conduct autism assessments privately for people that are presenting with autistic characteristics as part of a multi-disciplinary team which is made up of myself, a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist and several clinical psychologists.

Hi, I’m Justine McDonnell, an occupational therapist. I am a dedicated Lead Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner with a proven track record of over a decade in providing specialised care and support to individuals with diverse needs.  

My journey began with a focus on personalised technology coordination at Hft, where I assessed individuals with learning disabilities to identify and implement assistive technologies, empowering them to lead more independent lives. This experience laid the foundation for my subsequent roles, where I transitioned into leading Occupational Therapy services and integrating sensory approaches to support students with autism in a special school environment. 

I am a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, celebrating the strengths and unique perspectives that each individual brings. With a deep understanding of the diverse ways people experience the world, I aim to foster an environment that embraces differences and empowers clients to navigate the world in their own authentic way. 

Having personally navigated the challenges of dyslexia and combined ADHD, I bring a unique perspective to my practice. I understand the importance of tailored approaches and strive to create interventions that honour the individual learning styles of my clients.  

Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Desira, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I have over 15 years’ experience working with children, young people and families in the UK and overseas. I am very passionate about Neurodevelopment, with a particular special interest in Autism.

For the last 15 years I have supported many families through the complex diagnostic process and beyond. I pride myself on providing high quality, best practice assessment as part of a multi-disciplinary team and have spent the last 15 years developing and leading diagnostic services. I strongly believe in neuroaffirming practice, ensuring strength-based assessments and providing post-diagnostic support to individuals and families that fosters the development of a positive neurodivergent identity.

I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Northumbria University (2003) and master’s degree in Health Psychology from Teesside University (2004) and qualified with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Teesside University in 2009. Since qualifying, I worked in the NHS and private practice in the UK, before moving to the United Arab Emirates where I worked in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I returned to the UK in 2024 and am excited to work as part of the team providing high quality multidisciplinary assessments.

In addition to working directly with families, I enjoy teaching and training and am particularly passionate about my role as an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) trainer.

Dr Imtiaz Syed is a GMC-registered psychiatrist and accredited expert witness based in the 

UK. He specializes in General Adult Psychiatry, neurodevelopmental assessments (including 

ADHD and autism), and medico-legal reporting. With a background in both medicine and 

business, Dr Syed brings a strategic, person-centered approach to mental health care. He 

has extensive experience in assessing a wide range of conditions including anxiety, 

depression, PTSD, OCD, and psychosis. His medico-legal work includes psychiatric 

evaluations for immigration, capacity, personal injury, and criminal proceedings. Known for 

his thorough, compassionate, and evidence-based practice, Dr Syed is trusted by clients, 

solicitors, and clinical teams alike.