About me
Helen Cooke
I’m Helen Cooke - a highly specialist speech and language therapist for autistic children and young people, an advanced AuDHD Coach (for people who are both autistic and ADHD), founder of NeuroNurtured and mum to a neurodivergent daughter.
I joined the NHS as a speech and language therapist in 2007 and quickly developed a specialism in supporting autistic children and young people across both mainstream and special school settings. Over the years I progressed from generalist to highly specialist, and then into clinical and service lead roles, shaping services for families and professionals across the system.
Alongside my professional work, my greatest teacher for the past nine years has been my neurodivergent daughter, Elsie, who is AuDHD and proudly calls herself “neurospicy”. Living and learning alongside her - and a wonderfully neurodivergent wider family - gives me an insight that no textbook ever could. This lived experience informs everything I do as a therapist, coach and advocate.
My particular passion is supporting children and young people who are cognitively able but often deeply anxious, who I affectionately call “Triple As”: Autistic, Able and Anxious. These young people are often bright, articulate and hardworking, yet quietly overwhelmed. Because they mask and internalise, they are frequently overlooked by traditional services, even though the right understanding and support can be life-changing.
More recently, I have added accreditation as an AuDHD coach through ADHD Works. Coaching brings a positive, future-focused approach, helping young people and the adults around them build practical strategies, confidence and self-understanding. Many Triple A teenagers find coaching more accessible than traditional therapy, and parents, teachers and health professionals often find it transformational too.
After 18 years in the NHS, I founded NeuroNurtured so that autistic children and young people, including those who are quiet, capable and easily missed, can receive the understanding and support they deserve.
Below you will find my qualifications and a brief summary of my professional background. If you would like to know more about whether I am the right fit for your child or family, please feel free to get in touch.
Professional Credentials
RCSLT
Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
RCSLT: RC0022578
HPCP
Member of the Health and Care Professions Council
HPCP: SL23576
ASLTIP
Member of the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice
ASLTIP: 4850
DBS
I hold a current enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service), ensuring all my work with children and families is fully compliant and safe.
Training
I regularly update my training to ensure the advice and support I give is current and evidence-based. This includes Safeguarding Children and Adults.
Education
AuDHD Coaching Accreditation
ADHD Works
2025-2026
I am accredited as an AuDHD coach, following specialist training on supporting autistic and ADHD individuals in a neuro-affirming, strengths-based way. My coaching accreditation builds on my extensive clinical background, enabling me to combine a deep understanding of neurodivergence with practical, person-centred coaching approaches. This training supports me to help individuals develop self-understanding, confidence, and sustainable strategies that work with their neurodivergent profile, rather than against it.
MEd Autism
Birmingham University Distinction
2011-2014
I hold a Masters in Autism, which deepened my understanding of the social, cognitive, and emotional experiences of autistic children and young people. The programme equipped me with advanced skills in assessing needs, designing targeted support, and promoting inclusive, neuro-affirming practices in families, schools, and professional settings. This training underpins my approach to helping neurodivergent children and young people thrive, alongside empowering the adults who support them.
I was honoured to have my dissertation published: Blatchford, H. (2014) "Can we ever see eye to eye? An investigation into the impact of eye contact on relatedness between children with autism in mainstream reception classes and their teaching assistants," Good Autism Practice, 15(2).
PGDip Speech & language therapy
City University
Distinction
2005-2007
I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy, gaining expertise in assessing and supporting children and young people with communication, language, and social interaction difficulties. Through hands-on clinical placements, I developed skills in tailoring interventions to individual needs and working closely with families, schools, and other professionals; a foundation that underpins my specialist work with neurodivergent children and young people.
BA French and Linguistics
University of York
First Class Honours
2001-2005
I earned a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts in French and Linguistics from the University of York, gaining advanced skills in language analysis, communication, and cultural understanding. This degree provided a strong foundation in how language works, both structurally and socially; knowledge that informs my work as a speech and language therapist and my understanding of diverse communication styles.
I presented my undergraduate dissertation at the International Conference for Forensic Phonetics in Marrakech, Morocco (Aug 2005) and subsequently published: Blatchford, H. & Foulkes, P. (2007) Identification of voices in shouting, International Journal of Speech, Language and the Law.
Work history
Service Lead
Neurodiversity Enfield
Band 8b
October 2024 - December 2026
I was privileged to take a year’s secondment to design, set up, and lead a new pathway for children under six. Our priorities were to reduce waiting times for autism assessments and to improve the experience for children and parents. I was particularly delighted to employ three exceptional parents in our team, whose role was to ensure that every part of the process was as supportive as possible for families beginning their journey as parents of a neurodivergent child.
Clinical Lead for Autism
School-Aged Speech & Language Therapy Mainstream Schools Team Band 8a
It was in this role that my passion for sharing the potential of autistic learners truly blossomed. I developed support packages for children and young people in schools, while empowering their families and teachers to help each child thrive. It was also here that I saw how vital it is to support children who are Autistic, Able, and Anxious: “Triple As”.
April 2014 - October 2024
Speech and language therapist
Enfield, Kingston and Lincolnshire
Bands 5-7
August 2007 - April 2014
Since qualifying as a speech and language therapist in 2007, I have sought opportunities to work with neurodivergent children and young people. I moved from Enfield to Kingston to allow me to progress from a generalist role (Band 5) to a specialist in autism (Band 6), and then to Enfield for a highly specialist autism role (Band 7), ensuring that I could dedicate my career to supporting neurodivergent individuals, their families, and the educators who work with them.
Certificates
Original certificates available on request.
