About Tina Hedges
My name is Tina Hedges and I am an Autism Specialist. I have been working in the field of autism for over 25 years both within a school setting and as a member of the National Diagnostic and Assessment Service. I have an Honours degree in Psychology (Stirling University), a Post Graduate Diploma in Autism (Birmingham University) and I am a member of the British Psychological Society. I have developed training workshops in the following areas; Introduction to Autism, Autism and Communication, Play and Intensive Interaction, Adolescence and Puberty, Toileting, Autism and Diet and Friendships. I was co-author of a Transitions Policy and a Positive Behaviour Management Policy which I have also delivered training on.
I was a team member, from the outset, of the first independent diagnostic team in Scotland (National Diagnostic and Assessment Service) whose clinical lead is the world renowned Professor Tommy MacKay. I was also actively involved in the creation of and have wide experience in the process of support pre and post diagnosis to both the individuals and their families.
The area of post diagnostic support is of particular interest to me as I have seen so many individuals/parents/extended families be told they have/their child has an autism spectrum disorder and then they are left with this information with no further advice, support or guidance on how to deal with this, what to do about it or who to talk to. Being given a diagnosis of autism can evoke a variety of emotions within the person/child being given the diagnosis and also their families and/or partners. My focus has always been to look at everyone involved in this, take their different perspectives into account, their emotional ability to cope with information and always, always offer to be there in whichever capacity they felt was supportive to them to either listen or actively support them. This could involve carrying out an in depth assessment within their environment to identify appropriate interventions to address their individual needs. I would also remain involved to model and provide guidance on how to implement the strategies into their daily lives and ensure they were confident with this. Just as each person with autism is an individual so are all of the family members associated with them ALL requiring unique support and interventions.
I have had the privilege of working with children, adults and their families across the spectrum of autism. My focus has been on bringing them to an understanding of what an autism spectrum disorder means to them and my aim has always been to enable the young person/adult/parent to develop strategies in order that they learn how to self manage and understand why they react/respond in the way they do. My aim is always to enable independence to whichever level can be achieved in order that each individual is equipped to reach their full potential.
Colleagues with whom I work tell me that I have an obvious passion about ensuring that generic interventions and approaches are not delivered "off the shelf" but that they are always personalised to the individual and their family. I have adapted interventions such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Intensive Interaction and individualised work on gaining an understanding of a diagnosis through the use of tools such as "I Am Special", (Vermeulen, 2013) to achieve this.
"We have known Tina in her professional capacity for
around fourteen years. Tina is very conscientious regarding her work and
always conducts herself in a professional manner. She gains trust and confidence of the clients
she works with, whilst at the same time putting them at ease and maintaining a
warm, friendly relationship. Tina puts
her whole being into her work, she really cares for the people she works with,
she is a very special lady who will go above and beyond the parameters of what
is expected of her if it will benefit her client, she will adapt and change
with her client to gain results, on their terms. Tina has counselled and supported our son,
who has autism, through some of the most distressing and challenging periods in
his life, ensuring that we as parents were always kept informed, and most
importantly included (where appropriate) with any interventions or programmes
being utilised, thus, keeping continuity for him. I believe that our son has benefited greatly
for having had the privilege of working with Tina, she has helped him be the
fantastic young man he has grown up to be." - Janet and Brian Cowell (parents)