Faces of Southam: Mindsight Autism Services
Southam is home to a wealth of compassionate and dedicated professionals, and among them are Shelley and Vicky, the co-founders of Mindsight Autism Services and the Southam Speaking Space.
A Shared Vision for Support
Shelley Natt and Dr Vicky Perry, came together through a shared passion for helping others. After relocating from Surrey, Shelley was looking for a clinical psychologist with the right expertise to form a multi-disciplinary team for autism and ADHD assessments for children and adults. A mutual friend introduced her to Vicky, and the two quickly realised they had shared values and a vision for the type of high quality assessment and support service they would like to provide. Their professional partnership soon blossomed into a genuine friendship, where workdays are spent side by side and lunch breaks become a chance to connect and recharge.
Both Shelley and Vicky entered their fields with a desire to support individuals on their journey of self-understanding. They take great pride in helping people understand themselves, build confidence, and feel empowered to advocate for their needs going forward. They recognise that their work with individuals and families is deeply personal, and they feel honoured to provide a safe and welcoming space for those who seek their help.
Meet the Experts
Shelley, a Speech and Language Therapist, specialises in communication through her own business "Communication Train" (www.communicationtrain.co.uk) and works with children and young people at the Southam Speaking Space or within school settings. Her expertise extends to supporting Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) applications, making the often-complex process more accessible for families across Southam and Warwickshire. Her knowledge of speech and language therapy, combined with her understanding of the EHCP process, is an invaluable asset to the clinic and the community.
Vicky, a Clinical Psychologist with her own business, "Mindsight Psychology Services" (www.mindsightpsychology.co.uk), specialises in trauma therapy and neurodivergence having worked in a variety of settings with both children and adults. Most recently, Vicky worked in a specialist NHS team supporting autistic children, young people and their families. Her work is grounded in empathy, ensuring that those she supports feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Together, the pair make the brilliant team of Mindsight Autism Services.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Space
Recognising the need for a welcoming clinic setting to carry out assessments and provide therapeutic support, Shelley and Vicky set up clinic rooms at the Southam Speaking Space (www.southamspeakingspace.co.uk). This welcoming setting is not only the location for their Autism and ADHD assessment service but is also used by other therapists, increasing therapeutic support available to the community. The airy, tranquil rooms provide the perfect ambiance for clients to feel at ease while exploring their personal journeys.
The Symbol of the Zebra
When establishing their assessment service, Shelley and Vicky designed the Mindsight Autism Services logo around a zebra. This choice reflects a well-known quote from the autistic community that resonates with many individuals seeking a diagnosis:
“Why do you need a label?” Because there is comfort in knowing that you are a normal zebra, not a strange horse. Because you can’t find a community of other zebras, can’t learn what makes a zebra thrive, what brings [you] a zebra joy, if you don’t know you are a zebra and you are learning solely from horses. It is near impossible to be happy and mentally healthy if you’re spending all your life thinking you’re a failed horse, having others tell you that you are a failed horse when all along you could be thriving and understood if everyone, including you, just knew you were a zebra.”
This message underlines the importance of self-awareness, community, and acceptance—values that Mindsight Autism Services strives to uphold in every aspect of their work.
The image of a zebra features in Southam Speaking Space on two beautiful pieces of art by local artist, Kate Poole. The paintings hang proudly on the walls of each clinic room as a nod to why Mindsight Autism Services exists.
A Valued Service in a Magical Town
Mindsight Autism Services is a testament to the care, compassion, and dedication that makes Southam such a special place. Shelley and Vicky’s work is not just about assessments; it’s about fostering understanding, building confidence, and ensuring that everyone who walks through their doors feels seen and supported. Their presence in Southam is yet another example of the incredible resources and people that make our town truly magical.
