About
Dr Lucy Walker Haywood is a Principal Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working across NHS and specialist independent services with children, young people and adults. Lucy has extensive experience in Neurodevelopmental Assessment in both the NHS and the independent sector, having previously been the Clinical Lead for Multi-Disciplinary Teams in both Autism and ADHD within the NHS. This specialism is complemented by her wide range of experience in Child, Young People and Adult Mental Health Services, Learning Disability Services and Child Physical Health Services.
Areas of Expertise
-
Autism and ADHD Assessment

-
Complex presentations and multi-agency working
-
Overlapping mental health conditions and neurodevelopmental differences
-
ADOS-2 Assessment
-
Cognitive and Standardised Assessment
-
Post-diagnostic planning, support and therapy
Lucy's Approach To Work
Lucy works in an empathic and reflective way, taking time to understand each person’s experiences within the wider context of their lives and helping to find ways to move forward.
​Some adults have previously been given a mental health diagnosis when a neurodevelopmental difference has been missed. ​Lucy is keen to support individuals and their families towards a more integrated understanding of themselves through a lens that incorporates their neurodevelopmental profile.
​She is particularly interested in understanding the impact of the intricate relationships between mental health, physical health, the nervous system, emotional development and social connection.​​​
Additional Leadership and Service Role
Lucy is dedicated to providing an efficient, responsive and supportive service that places the well-being of clients and clinicians alike as the top priority, recognising the importance of running a healthy organisation to enable good care for others.
​She is responsible for the smooth running of the service alongside Rachel, the Office Manager and Hayley, Co-Director, ensuring a high standard of care and professionalism.
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Psychology, DClinPsych
Client
All team members were so highly skilled and compassionate. The team were very mindful that my child was anxious but also that parents required compassion going through the process.
Parent
My child and I have benefitted hugely from my child being assessed by autism north east. They understand themselves much better and this has contributed to them continuing to thrive. I can't recommend highly enough.
Parent
After an initial consultation in Dec 2025, my daughter received a diagnosis of ASD and anxiety in Jan 2026. The team were nothing short of professional, thorough and friendly. Our plan was tailored towards my daughter’s needs and I felt truly listened too
Parent
My family and I have had wonderful experiences with Autism North East, supporting our neurodivergent children on numerous occasions. They have assessed and diagnosed, visited schools, attended meetings with us and provided post-diagnosis support
