Elizabeth de Mello

Hello, I’m Liz de Mello, occupational therapist and vocational specialist with a wealth of experience from over 30 years working with adults & young people with additional needs.

Specialist Occupational Therapist.
MSc Occupational Therapy; PG Cert Careers Guidance, HCPC registration: OT70256

Being neurodivergent myself, I'm well aware of the barriers and prejudices faced by those with autism, ADHD and associated neurodevelopmental conditions. I feel passionate about enabling neurodivergent people to participate fully in mainstream life. We can thrive in almost any setting given appropriate support and necessary adaptations.

Many of us have co-occurring conditions - a mixture of challenges that may include Autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia; sensory sensitivities or alexithymia; health issues such as chronic pain and fatigue, gastrointestinal problems; sleep problems and anxiety disorders. I work in collaboration with you to understand your specific challenges, abilities and priorities, helping you modify activities and adapt the environment to meet your needs.

From 2018 to 2026 I worked for an NHS adult autism diagnostic service, and I'm well aware how little post-diagnostic guidance is on offer. My aim is to provide holistic autism-specific 1:1 specialist occupational therapy & vocational guidance to enable you to live your best life at home, at work – and everywhere else.

My own journey as an autistic person navigating the pressures of demanding workplaces (clinics, colleges, schools, prisons, charities & community outreach), and of helping hundreds of neurodivergent clients overcome challenges, has taught me above all that a diagnosis is just a starting point. It can be a springboard to self-understanding, self-compassion, self-advocacy and self-actualisation.

My approach is solution-focused and adapted to your unique needs. For example we may focus on overcoming everyday or workplace difficulties; or energy management and how to avoid burnout; or managing sensory issues; or dealing with change - starting work or uni, retiring, moving home, starting a family or embarking on a new relationship.

Do you have difficult time communicating your needs to medical professionals, or within the family, at work or in education? We can work on strategies to ensure you get the right kind of support, to enable you to form realistic, achievable plans for a positive future.

Email for further details, prices, T&C's, or to arrange a free initial chat: [email protected]

• I work remotely on a one to one basis with clients who live anywhere in the UK, by video call or phone.
• I offer bespoke autism training sessions for workplaces.