Dr. Fiona Desira is a British trained Clinical Psychologist, with a Degree in Psychology, Masters Degree in Health Psychology and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
She specialises in working with children, young people and the families of those with developmental delays, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioural difficulties. Her work involves assessment, diagnosis and intervention with a variety of presenting problems including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), attachment difficulties, anxiety and depression. She also provides assessment of learning difficulties, including math and reading disorders.
Dr. Fiona has extensive knowledge and experience in the administration and interpretation of neuropsychological assessments to provide understanding of individual needs and aid in diagnosis. She prides herself on her client-centered approach, and values multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working to support families to the best of her abilties.
Dr. Fiona is highly specialized in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and is a sensitive clinician who has supported many families through the complex diagnostic process over the last 10 years. Dr. Fiona is trained in Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS2) and is able to provide a comprehensive psychological assessment for children of all ages.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Fiona has presented at international conferences, sharing lectures relating to ASD and Intellectual Disabilities. She has provided undergraduate and doctoral level teaching as an honorary lecturer at Universities in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Fiona is an ADOS Trainer. Over the last 8 years, she has delivered ADOS training and ongoing ADOS supervision in the United Kingdom and the Gulf region.
Conference Talks
Regional Autism Conference 2020
January 2020, Oman
Intellectual Disabilities Forum
March 2019, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Understanding Intellectual Disabilities
- The Impact of Intellectual Disabilities on Families
GCC Autism Inclusion Conference
February 2019, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Best Practice Assessment for School-Aged Children with Additional Needs
- Understanding Learning Difficulties and Intellectual Disabilities in Children
- Building Social Skills in the School Environment
Autism Around The World Conference
May 2018, Dubai, UAE
- A Best Practice Model for Multi-Disciplinary Autism Assessment
Autism Around the World Conference
May 2016, Dubai, UAE
- Best Practice Assessment for School-Aged Children with Additional Needs
- Understanding ADHD: Supporting Children, Families & Schools
GCC Inclusion Conference
May 2015, Oman
- Understanding Learning Difficulties and Intellectual Disabilities in Children
- Accommodating for Difficulties and Building Cognitive Skills