Nic has worked as a Speech and Language Therapist within the NHS for over 20 years, since qualifying from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2000. Nic has experience working with children and adults with autism and/or learning disabilities. She has worked in educational settings, community learning disability teams and specialist secure inpatient provision. She has spent the last 12 years working part time for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust (formerly Calderstones NHS Trust) in a forensic community team for adults with autism and/or learning disabilities, where she is the clinical lead for autism. This is a multidisciplinary team which aims to support vulnerable people who are involved in the criminal justice system. Many of the people she works with also experience mental health difficulties. Nic has also been part of autism diagnostic teams within the NHS and in independent practice. Nic is particularly passionate about working with autistic girls and women to support them to recognise and acknowledge their strengths, reduce their anxiety-provoking masking behaviours and to feel empowered. Nic is a registered Speech and Language Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (SL01221). Nic is also registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RC0024083).