Meet the Specialists at Beacon Autism & ADHD Clinic
At Beacon Autism and ADHD Clinic, our strength lies in our people. Our multidisciplinary team highly qualified, experienced, and compassionate professionals who share a single purpose to support children and young people through accurate assessment, thoughtful diagnosis, and meaningful care.We understand that families seeking help for autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions are often navigating uncertainty. That is why our team works collaboratively, placing clinical excellence, ethical practice, and family centred care at the heart of everything we do.
Professor Ahmad Aurakzai
FRCPCH UK, FRCP Ireland, FRCP Glasgow, FCPS, MAAP,
MRCP Ireland, MSc, DCHRCP, DCH, MCPS, MBBSÂ
Consultant Paediatrician | Neurodevelopmental Specialist
Professor Ahmad A. Aurakzai is a highly respected Consultant Paediatrician with a distinguished medical career spanning more than 35 years. He began his paediatric practice in 1987 and has since dedicated his professional life to improving the health, development, and wellbeing of children and young people.
He graduated with outstanding academic achievement, receiving a Gold Medal and the President of Pakistan Award in the final year of medical school. Over the course of his career, Professor Aurakzai has attained multiple senior memberships and fellowships from some of the most prestigious professional bodies in the UK, Ireland, and internationally reflecting his commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning.
Professor Aurakzai has extensive experience across all areas of Paediatrics, with a particular clinical focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, and developmental delays. He is widely known for his thorough, thoughtful assessments and his ability to guide families through complex diagnostic pathways with clarity and compassion.
While working within the NHS, Professor Aurakzai consistently placed patients and families at the centre of his practice, frequently offering evening and weekend clinics to ensure timely access to care. His patient-first philosophy has remained constant throughout his career.
At Beacon Autism and ADHD Clinic, Professor Aurakzai provides clinical leadership and oversees the implementation of high standards of care bringing together best practices, ethical medicine, and the values he has championed throughout his professional journey. His vision is to deliver the kind of comprehensive, family focused care he always believed children and parents deserve.
Outside of his clinical work, Professor Aurakzai enjoys photography and reading, interests that reflect his thoughtful, observant, and reflective approach to both medicine and life.
Sarah
Dr Conjivaram Vidya Shankar
MBBS, MD, MRCPCH(UK)
Dr Shankar graduated in 1988 and completed his MD in Paediatrics in India. He has extensive international experience, having worked across multiple healthcare systems and with diverse patient populations.
He has a strong background in general paediatrics, alongside a specialist interest in neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly ADHD and autism. Dr Shankar has undertaken focused training in these areas and is experienced in supporting children and young people with a wide range of developmental needs.
In addition to his clinical work, he has contributed as an active medical writer for patients internationally, helping to improve understanding of paediatric and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Dr Shankar is a Member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) and is fluent in multiple languages, enabling him to communicate effectively with families from diverse backgrounds.
Dr Mohd Khairi Othman
Dr Othman is a dedicated Community Paediatrician with extensive experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and ADHD.
He graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, and completed his postgraduate training in the United Kingdom. With over 23 years of clinical experience across both acute and community paediatric settings, Dr Othman brings a deep understanding of the complex healthcare needs of children and young people.
Dr Othman has been actively involved in multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment teams across several regions in the UK, including Birmingham, Nottingham, South Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Weston-super-Mare. His collaborative approach and commitment to high standards of care have earned him consistent recognition from colleagues and families alike.
He is trained in the use of recognised diagnostic tools, including ADOS, ADI-R, and 3Di, supporting comprehensive and evidence-based assessments.
Dr Othman is committed to continuous professional development and uses modern clinical systems to ensure accurate records, efficient workflows, and high-quality patient care.
Emma
Emma is a Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), with many years of experience working within the NHS in both clinical and senior leadership roles.
She works with children, young people, and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, with a particular focus on neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism (ASD) and ADHD, as well as complex trauma, including Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).
Emma takes a holistic and person-centred approach, supporting individuals through both assessment and post-diagnostic care. She works closely with families to provide practical strategies and tailored support based on individual needs.
Therapeutic support offered
Emma provides a range of evidence-based interventions, including:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy
- Emotional regulation support for young people with autism and ADHD
- Anxiety management and coping strategies
- Relaxation and mindfulness-based sessions for neurodiverse individuals