Educational and Child Neuropsychology Services in Manchester
Dr Michael Palmer
Educational & Child Psychologist
BSc, PGCert, PGCert, CPsychol
Specialities
Behavioural Skill Development
Cognitive Assessment​
Neurodevelopmental Needs
Statutory Processes
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Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Coaching
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Mindfulness and Applied Relaxation
Positive Behavioural Support
Schema Focused Therapy
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Location
Greater Manchester - North West England and North Wales
Remote (on-line)
A Bit About Me
Dr Michael Palmer is a Chartered Educational and Child Psychologist with particular expertise in the assessment and multidisciplinary coordination of children and young people presenting with neurodevelopmental conditions, executive dysfunction, and trauma-related needs. Dr Palmer provides leadership in structuring multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) and offering psychological containment in complex casework. As an associate with NeuroKids, he provides detailed assessments and tailored interventions to address diverse challenges, foster resilience, and improve outcomes for children and families.
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Currently advancing a specialism in neuropsychological approaches, Dr Palmer brings expertise in integrative formulation and intervention planning, working holistically across education, health, and family systems. He offers a wide range of therapeutic and consultation services to support difficulties related to behaviour, cognition, emotional regulation, social skills, learning, and daily routines. Drawing on cognitive, behavioural, and psychodynamic models, he conducts comprehensive assessments and collaborates with schools, families, and professionals to implement support strategies.
Dr Palmer specialises in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, and is trained in tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2). He provides expert guidance on the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) and delivers NICE-compliant, tribunal-standard diagnostic assessments, incorporating structured developmental history, direct assessment, and multidisciplinary contributions.
His previous roles include Lead Psychologist for secondary-stage Pupil Referral Units in Birmingham, and advisory work across various UK local authority services. He holds a Doctorate in Applied Educational and Child Psychology from the University of Birmingham, where his research centred on multidisciplinary autism assessment. Dr Palmer is a registered practitioner with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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In addition to his clinical work, Dr Palmer is an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester, where he mentors trainee psychologists. He has contributed to the field through publications on topics such as problematic internet use, emotional well-being, and safeguarding, advocating for positive and responsible digital practices for children and young people.
Explore the Specialist Support We Offer​
We support children’s mental health needs with evidence-based approaches like CBT, systemic therapy and trauma-focused interventions. Psychology therapy provision is goal focused to promote well-being and empower children and families to manage challenges effectively.
EDUCATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY
Through assessments and tailored interventions, we support children and young people to manage educational challenges, develop skills and achieve their full potential. We work with families and educational professionals to foster positive relationships and promote inclusive practices.
We conduct assessments to identify cognitive strengths and challenges, providing information to inform interventions and rehabilitation. Our assessments address needs such as behaviour, learning, memory, attention, executive functioning, and social-emotional regulation.
We specialise in working in the medico-legal setting providing expert witness neuropsychology and educational psychology assessments. with comprehensive evaluations, impartial reports, and tailored recommendations and prognosis. We assist Claimants and Defendants, providing unbiased opinion to inform legal proceedings.
Our approach is assessment-led and formulation driven. Support is and evidence-based, grounded in neuropsychological formulation and developmental understanding. We provide clear, impartial opinion to inform clinical, educational, rehabilitation, and medico-legal decision-making, with intervention where clinically indicated.
We are registered practitioner psychologists (HCPC) who provide neuropsychological, psychological and educational services for children and young people with a range of complex needs. Including assessment, therapy, rehabilitation, MDT input, teaching/ training, and expert opinion across health, education and legal contexts.