Dr Hollie Burnett, Clinical Psychologist at Shore Psychology

Dr Hollie Burnett

Clinical Psychologist

“I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience across neurodevelopmental and mental health services. Neurodivergence has been a central focus of my clinical, research and academic career, with particular expertise in autism and ADHD assessment, including complex and late-identified presentations”.

I see neurodevelopmental assessment as an opportunity to understand the whole person – how they think and process information, their strengths, difficulties, sensory needs and the ways they may have learned to adapt or mask. My aim is for people to feel listened to and leave with an understanding of themselves that is meaningful and useful.

Alongside Shore Psychology, I work within NHS Scotland and am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews.

Clinical Experience

I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh and hold a PhD focused on autism and executive functioning, exploring how autistic adults think and process information.

Within the NHS, I am the senior psychologist in an adult neurodevelopmental service, providing specialist assessment, supervision and consultation around complex presentations. I have also developed post-diagnostic and therapeutic groups focused on accessible, neuro-affirming support.

Alongside my clinical work, I teach psychology and contribute to training and professional development in autism, ADHD and neurodiversity.

My understanding of neurodivergence is also personal. I am the proud mother of three neurodivergent sons, who have taught me a great deal about recognising individual strengths, understanding different ways of experiencing the world and creating environments in which neurodivergent people can thrive. This lived experience enriches my clinical, research and academic understanding of neurodiversity.

Neurodevelopmental Assessments and Specialist Services

At Shore Psychology, I offer comprehensive, evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming assessments for teens and adults, alongside workplace assessments and recommendations, training, consultancy and professional supervision.

I have a particular clinical and research interest in women and girls who have historically been under-recognised within autism and ADHD pathways, including presentations where masking, high achievement, trauma or anxiety may make neurodevelopmental differences less visible.

My Approach

I believe neurodevelopmental assessment should offer more than a diagnosis. Many people come to assessment after years of trying to understand themselves, sometimes having become highly skilled at masking or compensating. I therefore consider each person’s experiences in context rather than relying solely on how difficulties appear from the outside.

Whether or not a diagnosis is reached, my aim is for people to leave with a clearer and more compassionate understanding of themselves, alongside a meaningful formulation and practical recommendations for support.

Qualifications and Training

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) – University of Glasgow (2013-2016)
  • MA Psychology – University of Aberdeen (2010)
  • 2024 – Autism Clinical Interview (ACIA) Training, Newcastle University
  • 2022 – ADHD Child Evaluation (ACE+) / Adult ADHD Training,
    National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) / Professor Susan Young
  • 2022 – Postgraduate Certificate in FASD, University of Edinburgh
  • 2018 – Adapting CBT for Autism Spectrum Disorder, NHS Education for Scotland
  • 2017 – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh
  • 2011 – PhD Psychology: Autism and Executive Functioning, University of Hull – European Science Foundation
  • 2010 – ADOS and ADI-R Training, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
  • 2009 – Postgrad Certificate in Research and Statistical Design, University of Hull
  • 2007 – BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of Hull

Professional Membership and Registrations

I am a registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (Registration No: PYL34577.)