Name: Lily Scanlan

Profession: HCPC Registered Speech & Language Therapist

Lily has over ten years’ experience working with Autistic children and young people, those with ADHD, learning disabilities, complex speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Lily qualified with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy in 2019. Since then, she has worked across the NHS and private practice, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and adults in both educational settings and specialist multidisciplinary services. More recently, Lily lead the development of a pilot all age Autism service in the NHS, to improve pathways and outcomes for Autistic people seeking referrals.

Growing up in a neurodivergent family, Lily has been on a lifelong journey of advocacy and raising awareness around neurodiversity. She was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood and understands first hand how the diagnostic process can feel; this insight continues to guide and enrich her clinical practice. Lily is passionate about co-production and values working collaboratively with children, young people and families to shape meaningful and supportive assessment experiences.
Lily’s extensive background supporting Autistic individuals across the lifespan has shaped her neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach to diagnostic work.

Lily is accredited to administer ‘gold standard’ assessment tools including the ADOS-2, ADI-R, the Autism Clinical Interview for Adults (ACIA), the ACE/ACE+ for ADHD, and the DIVA-5. She is passionate about promoting neuro-affirming practice, delivering NICE-aligned assessment pathways, and creating accessible and collaborative spaces where people feel genuinely understood.