Dr Claire Wraight

My name is Dr Claire Wraight. I am a Child and Educational Psychologist with a particular interest in autism. I am a Health and Care Professions Council registered psychologist.

I started working with children as a nursery nurse approximately 20 years ago, and worked in a range of settings, including schools, nurseries, pre-schools and holiday clubs. During this time I developed an interest in working with children with autism and other special educational needs. I decided to pursue this interest further by undertaking my psychology degree with the Open University alongside working in a pre-school. 

After completing my psychology degree I completed my Master’s degree in Mental Health Studies at Kings College London. I spent some time working in the NHS as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, I then worked as an Assistant Psychologist in a residential autism service. I decided to complete my Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology as I was passionate about helping children with developmental, behavioural, social, emotional and learning needs and their families.

Within my work I have used a range of approaches, including CBT, mindfulness and play therapy based approaches to help with difficulties such as low mood, anxiety and emotional regulation difficulties. I have also helped to support children with social understanding and social skill development in a 1:1 context and in small group settings.  

I enjoy helping families through particular difficulties they may be facing with their children, through 1:1 consultation, parent training and workshops. I am also able to conduct cognitive assessments in order to explore any underlying learning needs that the child may be experiencing.

I have always had a special interest in working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and have aimed to develop and further my knowledge throughout my career. I have attended training on the SCERTS model, which focuses on building competence in Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support and I have also completed the ‘Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum’ online course, by the National Autistic Society. I am also training to become an EarlyBird Plus registered trainer over the next few months. 

I receive regular supervision and CPD, which helps me to keep my knowledge up to date and remain aware of current research and practices