Dr Diksha Laungani

I am a Dubai-born, UK-trained Educational Psychologist with over ten years of experience working in London and Dubai. Having worked across both educational and clinical settings, I bring a culturally responsive and neurodiversity-affirming approach to my practice.

As an Assessment Specialist, I facilitate psycho-educational and neurodiversity assessments across the lifespan. This includes screening and/or diagnosis of neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD, Autism, general or specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.) or clients with any other behavioural, emotional, or learning needs.

I am also trained to administer the gold-standard ADOS-2 assessment for Autism and have a particular interest in the often-overlooked presentations of neurodivergence in girls and women, ensuring that subtle strengths and needs are not missed.

I am a conservative assessor, which means that I only use assessments tailored to the client’s profile and do not apply a standard battery of tests for every client. I also believe in the power of systemic/holistic working, which means that I appreciate the opportunity to work closely with schools and families wherever possible.

Alongside assessments, I offer counselling support for children, young people, and adults. I am also available for consultation when an assessment is not the right step, offering guidance to parents and families about neurodiversity, diagnoses, and parenting support.

My approach is integrative and holistic, drawing on a range of evidence-based models such as solution-focused and humanistic approaches, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I also provide AuDHD coaching, supporting clients in navigating their lived experiences of Autism and/or ADHD. This flexible approach allows me to adapt to each client’s goals, needs, and values.

Inclusion is at the heart of my work. My clinical orientation is governed by a person-centred and humanistic approach, and I strongly believe that every client’s voice is central to the assessment/therapy process, regardless of their age or ability. I also realise that diagnoses of neurodevelopmental differences can be culturally sensitive, and I approach this with the utmost confidentiality and care for my clients and their families. Psychological involvement does not have to end with testing scores, and I advocate for further psychoeducation/counselling post-assessment. Diagnoses can influence identity development and wellbeing, and it becomes crucial to support clients through this process.

Alongside individual work, I am passionate about promoting inclusion in the wider community. I deliver training and outreach for schools, organisations, and government bodies in the UAE, Asia, and Europe. I also support organisations to create more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees through consultation, coaching, and training.

I am a Visiting Lecturer at a UK-based university in Dubai, where I teach and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students in Psychology and Education. I also provide clinical supervision for psychologists, school counsellors, inclusion staff, and other professionals working in education.

Prior to training as a psychologist, I worked as a vocational educator and job coach, supporting the transition of neurodivergent young people/adults into higher education or employment. My inclination towards promoting the self-determination of clients led to further exploration of this area through my doctoral thesis. I regularly contribute to national and international conferences, publications, and outreach events; you can view my contributions to news articles and publications here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K7dt3B0hccNHL6q1yRkhPWnb-FQk_AN8noJNIghH3PQ/edit?usp=sharing

I am a bilingual psychologist offering clinical services in both English and Hindi/Urdu.

Outside of my professional roles, you will find me close to nature, exploring different parts of the world as a traveller, or indulging in a bar of chocolate!