As the Autism Nurse Practitioner with NHS Lanarkshire’s Adult Learning Disability Service, Brooklin Wilson has made a remarkable impact by addressing the unique needs of individuals with autism and learning disabilities.
Although she has been in her role for only a year and a half, Brooklin has demonstrated an impressive level of knowledge, dedication, and compassion, making a real difference in the lives of her patients and those that support them.
Brooklin’s commitment to reducing waiting times for diagnostic assessments has been exceptional. Taking on a significant inherited waiting list, she has worked tirelessly to ensure timely support for individuals and families, creating a clear pathway to care.
As a lone practitioner covering PAN Lanarkshire, Brooklin not only conducts autism diagnostic assessments, following up with post-diagnostic support to help the individual, their families and carers to understand how this diagnosis affects them, but also provides advice and support to those with an existing diagnosis, with particular involvement in those with complex care needs.
Offering assessment and guidance based on the individual’s unique autism profile. She provides staff training on behalf of her patient group and plays a key role in supporting families and carers to understand an individual’s presentation.
She chairs the Adult Learning Disability Service’s autism clinical development group and autism consultation group, which has representation from the wider multi-disciplinary team including Psychiatry, Psychology, Nursing, Speech and Language Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.
She serves as a valuable resource for her colleagues, sharing her expertise and offering guidance on autism spectrum disorders. Her support is a reassurance to staff across the service, who benefit from her practical insights and willingness to share her knowledge.
Despite the demands of her diagnostic work, Brooklin finds the time to provide staff training and consultations throughout NHS Lanarkshire. Her commitment to education empowers staff with the confidence to support individuals with autism, enhancing the quality of care for patients with complex needs.
Reflecting on her role, Brooklin says, “supporting individuals with autism and learning disabilities is incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues, helping to create an environment where patients feel understood and valued. Reducing wait times and increasing autism awareness in all areas of care has been a priority for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
A big shout out to Brooklin Wilson for her exceptional commitment to providing high quality autism care, her dedication to reducing wait times, and her invaluable support to colleagues. Her work is creating more inclusive and understanding environments for individuals with autism and learning disabilities across Lanarkshire.
