Oasis Psychological Services

02/08/2025

“Could This Be ADHD, Autism — or Both?” A Neurodivergent-Centred Perspective

Many people — especially women, non-binary individuals, and those who’ve spent years masking — reach a point where they begin to wonder:

“Why do I feel different?”
“Could this be ADHD, Autism, or both?”
“How have I managed for so long, and why does it feel harder now?”

At Oasis, our assessments are designed to make sense of your lived experience. We don’t rely solely on checklists — we take time to understand how things have felt across your life.

We listen for the story beneath the surface — how you’ve managed, what’s been misunderstood, what’s helped, and what it’s cost you.

Our approach is affirming, collaborative, and grounded in clinical expertise as well as deep respect for your lived experience. We follow NICE guidelines throughout the assessment process, and all of our clinicians are highly trained, HCPC-registered professionals with extensive experience in both ADHD and Autism across the lifespan.

A diagnosis, if appropriate, isn’t a label — it’s a lens. One that can bring clarity, self-compassion, and access to meaningful support.

💻 We offer assessments online or in person from our base in Kent
🧠 For adults, children, and young people

📩 Email us at info@oasispsychologicalservices.co.uk to enquire or book an initial consultation.

02/08/2025

A very insightful blog by my colleague, Carien Sabey, Occupational Therapist, reflecting on the emotional and mental work that rarely gets named, but is always there for families supporting children with invisible disabilities.

It speaks so clearly to the ongoing, often unseen effort many of you know all too well — the thinking ahead, the regulating, the advocating, the constant adapting. If you’ve ever felt that others don’t quite see the full picture, this piece may offer recognition and comfort.

🧡 Invisible Disabilities: The Hidden Load on Families
By Carien Sabey
👉 https://sabeyot.com/the-hidden-load-of-invisible-disabilities-on-families

“But they don’t look disabled…”

If you’re raising or teaching a child who is autistic, ADHD, sensory-sensitive, or navigating trauma, anxiety, or chronic pain, you might have heard these or similar words. You’ve probably felt it.

Invisible disabilities don’t come with a visual cue. They come with a whole lot of invisible labour from the child and their family. These are the kids who often get labelled “normal”, “naughty,” “lazy,” or “too much,” when what’s really happening is overwhelm, dysregulatiInvisible disabilities don’t come with a visual cue. They come with a whole lot of invisible labour from the child and their family. These are the kids who often get labelled “normal”, “naughty,” “lazy,” or “too much,” when what’s really happening is overwhelm, dysregulati , or shutdown.

These are the families managing:
🌀 School meltdowns
🌀 Misunderstood behaviour
🌀 Systems that demand proof
🌀 All while being judged

In our recent article, we share what it’s really like and what helps:
💛 Leading with kindness
💛 Believing families
💛 Supporting instead of “fixing”
💛 Celebrating differently

If you’re in this too, you’re not alone. And if you’re not, but want to better understand, we invite you to read with curiosity.

Link in comments.

31/07/2025

“There is nowhere else I’d rather be than with them”
A reflection for parents of autistic children

I was reading an article this morning and it made me think about the many parents we’ve met at Oasis over the years.

I wanted to take a moment to say something important.

We know that parenting an autistic child can be really hard. Many of the parents we see feel exhausted. They’ve spent years trying to understand their child, support them, and speak up for them. It’s tiring—especially when people don’t always understand.

But what also stands out to us is the love, pride, and joy parents talk about too.

Some say things like,
“There is nowhere else I’d rather be than with them.”
Others talk about the moments they laugh together, or how amazing it is to watch their child grow into exactly who they are.

This article reminded me of that. It showed that many parents feel both things at once: the weight, and the joy.

At Oasis, we try to make space for both.
We see how hard you work. We also see how much you care.
You are doing more than you know. And you’re not alone.

🧡
Dr Floriana Reinikis
Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Oasis Psychological Services

📄 Inspired by Heyworth et al., 2025 “There is Nowhere Else That I’d Rather be Than with Them”: Parents’ Positive Experiences Parenting Autistic Children.

Photo of Loki on a walk during our family holiday through Northern and Eastern Europe.

29/07/2025

🌟 “My neurodiversity helps me play at the highest level” – Lucy Bronze

We wanted to share this beautiful piece from UEFA, where footballer Lucy Bronze opens up about her neurodivergence and how it’s shaped her as a person and a player.

She speaks honestly about being seen as “different” growing up, feeling misunderstood at times and how, looking back, those differences are part of what makes her who she is.
More than that they’re part of what makes her brilliant.

“My neurodiversity is what allows me to play football at the highest level.”

For so many of the families and adults we work with — including those coming to understand their neurodivergence later in life — this kind of story matters.
It reminds us that being neurodivergent isn’t a limitation. It’s a different way of experiencing the world.
And often, it’s a source of strength.

Not because someone “succeeds despite it” — but because their brain works in a way that brings unique focus, creativity, persistence, and passion.

There’s still a lot of work to do around awareness, access, and support — but we also need more of these stories.
Stories of thriving. Of being accepted as you are. Of using your differences, not hiding them.

Here’s the article if you’d like to read:
🔗 https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/news/029b-1e520f9f2e52-5198bfdda1c2-1000–lucy-bronze-my-neurodiversity-helps-me-play-at-the-highest-/

🧠🌿 If you or your child are exploring what it means to be neurodivergent — and are looking for a team who can offer compassionate, specialist assessment and support — we’re here.

At Oasis Psychological Services, we offer high-quality, neuroaffirming ADHD and Autism assessments for both children and adults, as well as thoughtful post-diagnostic support to help you make sense of your story, at your pace.