Name: Emily Backen

Profession: HCPC Registered Speech & Language Therapist

Emily has worked in the areas of special educational needs and health and social care since 2010, following her first degree in psychology and philosophy. Following completion of her masters in 2015, She has worked as a Speech and Language Therapist across a range of settings, supporting people of all ages with their communication preferences across schools, mental health charities and LD CAMHS.

Since 2021, Emily has worked predominantly within autism identification and neurodevelopmental services across the life span. Emily is passionate about providing neuro-affirmative assessments and strongly believes in providing a personalised approach, centring the lived experience of neurodivergent people. She enjoys connecting with others in an authentic and genuine way and brings care, reflection and empathy to her work.

Emily is due to begin a diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling in October 2025, so that she can better provide affirmative post-diagnostic support to under-represented and marginalised groups following identification/assessment.

Outside of her work, Emily lives in the north-east with her cat where she enjoys crocheting, collecting house plants, attending live music events and trips to the sea.