Catherine is a specialist in the field of autism and associated social communication impairments. She has led pioneering therapy trials developed from her Ph.D. research at the University of Manchester and 32 years clinical experience. She is a principle investigator in a series of UK and international autism intervention trials (PACT, Pre-school Autism Communication Trial, PACT 7-11 follow-up, PASS, Parent-mediated intervention for children with Autism Spectrum disorder in South Asia in India and Pakistan, PACT-G, Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy- Generalised), The multi-site studies aim to provide evidence based practice by rigorously evaluating the effectiveness of communication treatment delivered in the home and school context working collaboratively with parents and teachers.
Catherine is an honorary lecturer at the University of Manchester; she works in an independent therapy clinic Roundway Centre and provides expert opinions, therapy advice and therapy intervention for children with communication impairment. She is a national trainer in autism diagnostic and assessment instruments and developed a sensitive measure of change in child communication competencies (DCMA, Dyadic Communication Measure for Autism). Catherine is also is a professional advisor within the NHS on assessment and treatment issues for children with autism.
