Lisa Britton
Gateshead ,Tyne and Wear
Summary
Experienced Clinical Leader specialising in autism diagnostic assessment, developmental history formulation, and multidisciplinary evaluation. Achieved significant improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiencies through strategic pathway development, referral triage, and risk assessment. Focused on enhancing service delivery via collaborative clinical supervision, comprehensive report writing, and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Clinical Lead – Adult Autism Assessment Service
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
2023.01 - 2026.06
- Provided clinical leadership within a specialist Adult Autism Assessment Service for adults aged 18+.
- Triaged referrals, assessed suitability for diagnostic assessment, managed risk, and allocated cases based on clinical need and complexity.
- Undertook comprehensive autism assessments including developmental history gathering and multidisciplinary formulation.
- Participated in diagnostic formulation meetings to determine whether individuals met criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Analysed and synthesised complex clinical information from multiple sources to support diagnostic decision-making.
- Delivered diagnostic feedback in a person-centred, sensitive, and strengths-based manner.
- Provided psychoeducation, signposting, and post-diagnostic support.
- Liaised with mental health services, social care, primary care, and third-sector organisations.
- Provided clinical supervision to Band 6 clinicians, supporting reflective practice and clinical development.
- Supported students on placement, contributing to learning in autism assessment and clinical reasoning.
- Offered consultation and advice to external professionals regarding suspected autism presentations.
Advanced Occupational Therapist – Secure Outreach Transitions Team (SOTT)
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
2017.05 - 2023.01
- Supported individuals from admission into secure services through to discharge and community reintegration.
- Supported individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism, addressing complex needs and histories of secure care to facilitate their rehabilitation.
- Delivered specialist occupational therapy assessment and intervention.
- Worked with individuals presenting with sensory processing differences, mental health needs, physical health issues, and behaviours that challenge services.
- Developed occupational therapy pathways across inpatient and community settings.
- First Occupational Therapist appointed to the service, contributing to development of OT role and pathways.
- Established partnerships with housing providers, community services, and third-sector organisations, enhancing support networks for individuals during transitions.
- Conducted training sessions for multidisciplinary colleagues on occupational therapy and occupation-focused practice, improving team understanding and implementation of therapeutic strategies.
- Contributed to MDT meetings, CPA reviews, care planning, and risk assessment processes.
Education
Occupational Therapy Degree -
Glasgow Caledonian University
Skills
- Autism assessment
- Developmental assessment
- Multidisciplinary evaluation
- Clinical leadership
- Pathway development
- Clinical supervision
- Case management
- Neurodiversity practice
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Health and social care integration
- History assessment
- Sensory assessment
Certification
- Sensory Integration Level 1
- Sensory Integration Level 2/3
- Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised (ADI-R)
REFEREES
Available upon request
SUPERVISION & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Clinical supervision of Band 6 clinicians
- Student placement support and practice education
- Contribution to MDT leadership and clinical decision-making
- Consultation to external professionals
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Experience across secure, inpatient, rehabilitation, and community settings
- Strong multidisciplinary and multi-agency working skills
- Experience in safeguarding, MARAC, and child protection processes
- Skilled in managing complex caseloads and competing priorities
- Committed to neurodiversity-affirming and evidence-based practice
Timeline
Clinical Lead – Adult Autism Assessment Service
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
2023.01 - 2026.06
Advanced Occupational Therapist – Secure Outreach Transitions Team (SOTT)
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
2017.05 - 2023.01
Occupational Therapy Degree -
Glasgow Caledonian University