Buckinghamshire Psychology Ltd

07/05/2025

It was a pleasure meeting the Mayor of Gerrards Cross, , for a coffee and an engaging discussion on mental health services across Buckinghamshire. Her open, welcoming, and empathetic approach made for a truly productive conversation. We explored promising ideas for enhancing mental health support, as well as SEN provision in both the private and state education sectors. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my recommendations and concerns—your commitment to these important issues is deeply appreciated. We are fortunate to have your leadership.

09/04/2025

Welcome to Buckinghamshire Psychology.
I’m Dr. Shireen Saluja—founder, director, and lead clinician of Buckinghamshire Psychology. I’ve been a psychologist for over 13 years now. I specialise in Autism & ADHD assessments. My passion is therapy for neurodivergent individuals. Children who are figuring it out and families who are their strongest advocates.

I bring over seven years of experience working in the NHS, with a background in pain management and brain injury. I work with adults, adolescents, and children, offering tailored, compassionate therapy that meets each individual’s unique needs.

Over the past four years, I’ve felt a deep calling toward supporting neurodivergent individuals, particularly children. This passion has only grown stronger through my personal journey as a mother—my first and greatest love.

Fun fact about me: I am American and British!! I completed my undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctorate in Psychology. I’ve lived in India, America and England. I completed my education in Chicago, Illinois.

At Buckinghamshire Psychology, our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing space for you and your family. I have carefully handpicked a team of passionate, empathetic clinicians—each of whom is personally supported and guided by me.

Thank you for placing your trust in us. I look forward to walking alongside you on a journey that I hope will be life-changing—for you, and for me too. I advocate for you!

04/04/2025

My biggest goal as a clinician who is diagnosing a child is to ensure our families feel supported, well cared for and above all safe to ask questions. I may not have every answer, but my job is to help you become an advocate! My relationship with you doesn’t stop at a diagnosis. .
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Receiving an autism diagnosis can be a deeply emotional experience for parents, often involving a mix of shock, relief, worry, and grief, as they grapple with the implications for their child’s future and their own understanding of their child’s needs.

Here’s a more detailed look at what parents might experience:

Initial Reactions:

Shock and disbelief: The diagnosis can come as a surprise, even if parents had suspected something was different.
Grief: Parents may grieve the loss of the child they envisioned, or the future they had hoped for.
Worry and fear: Parents may worry about their child’s future, potential challenges, and the impact of the diagnosis on their family.
Relief: For some parents, the diagnosis provides answers and a sense of understanding after a long period of uncertainty and worry.
Anger, guilt, or vindication: Depending on the journey to diagnosis, parents may experience a range of emotions, including anger, guilt, or a sense of being vindicated.

02/04/2025

S.O.C.K questions

28/03/2025

Its a common thing to hear people say, but no—not everyone is on the autism spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns. While everyone may experience traits that overlap with autism—like preferring routines, struggling with social situations, or feeling overwhelmed by sensory input—having a few traits doesn’t mean someone is autistic.

The difference lies in the intensity, frequency, and how much these traits affect daily life. For someone with ASD, these differences are consistent and can significantly impact how they navigate the world.

The phrase often comes from the idea that autism exists on a spectrum—meaning it varies widely from person to person—but that doesn’t mean everyone falls somewhere on it. It’s more accurate to say that while everyone is unique in how their brain works, being autistic involves specific, clinically recognised patterns of thinking and behaviour.

10/02/2025

06/02/2025

This theme has come up often in my therapy sessions this month. I’ve diagnosed several adults, and their reactions have varied—some have felt relief, while others have experienced sadness. One person described autism as feeling like a “dirty word,” but it’s time to challenge that perception. Autism is not something to be ashamed of; it’s simply a different way of experiencing the world—just as someone who is colorblind sees differently but not wrongly. The more we understand ourselves, the better we can support one another. Knowledge is power, and together, we stand united in creating a world where autism is not a dirty word.

04/02/2025

Some wonderful books on managing anxiety in children!

03/02/2025

Supporting a child with school anxiety requires patience, understanding, and a combination of emotional, practical, and behavioral strategies. Here are some effective ways to help:

Emotional Support
1. Validate Their Feelings – Let them know it’s okay to feel anxious and that you’re there to help. Avoid dismissing their worries.
2. Encourage Open Communication – Create a safe space for them to talk about their fears without judgment.
3. Help Identify Triggers – Find out what specifically is causing anxiety (e.g., social situations, academic pressure, separation).

Practical Strategies
4. Establish a Consistent Routine – Predictability helps reduce anxiety. Keep morning and evening routines structured.
5. Use Visual Schedules – Younger children benefit from knowing the day’s plan with pictures or checklists.
6. Gradual Exposure – If they are extremely anxious, start with small steps like visiting the school before the term starts or shorter school days (if possible).

Coping Techniques
7. Teach Breathing Exercises – Simple deep breathing or grounding techniques can help in moments of distress.
8. Practice Positive Self-Talk – Help them replace negative thoughts (e.g., “I can’t do this”) with positive ones (“I am brave, and I can try”).
9. Use Comfort Objects – A small toy, picture, or note from home can provide reassurance.

School Involvement
10. Communicate with Teachers – Inform them about your child’s anxiety so they can offer support.
11. Identify a Safe Person at School – Having a go-to adult, like a teacher or counselor, can make school feel less intimidating.
12. Consider Accommodations – If anxiety is severe,
Building Confidence
13. Encourage Social Connections – Help them develop friendships that make school feel safer.
14. Celebrate Small Wins – Praise their efforts, even if it’s just making it through part of the day.
15. Foster Independence – Teach problem-solving skills so they feel more capable handling challenges.

02/02/2025

Rest today!

07/01/2025

Accidentally let your child hear…
“Matt was so kind together with his brothers.”
“I am so impressed with Matt. He did so well on his math exam. I am so proud of that kid.”
“Matt did such a good job eating all his dinner today. He is the best child.”