Stephanie Connolly

Founder, Director and Registered Manager | Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Stephanie is the Founder, Director and Registered Manager of Lycali Therapies & Assessment Ltd, a CQC-registered provider. Alongside her clinical work, she oversees the quality and safety of Lycali’s services, supporting the team to deliver personalised, compassionate care.

Stephanie is a highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP).

Her experience spans NHS and independent practice, delivering support online and within clinics and schools. She has worked with children from the early years through to adulthood, assessing and supporting a wide range of speech, language and communication needs.

Stephanie is trained in using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised (ADI-R) as part of autism assessments for children and adults. She is also trained in the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA), Young DIVA and QbCheck, which can contribute to a comprehensive ADHD assessment.

Why Stephanie chose Speech and Language Therapy

Before completing her postgraduate training in Speech and Language Therapy, Stephanie studied Psychology. Her interest in human behaviour, communication and linguistics led her to explore a career combining these interests with practical support for others.

Her experience as a parent further strengthened this passion. When her son was diagnosed with dyslexia, Stephanie saw how learning differences could affect confidence, motivation and experiences at school. This reinforced her commitment to helping people understand their needs and access support that makes a meaningful difference.

Stephanie brings curiosity, creativity and flexibility to her work. She values the opportunity to understand each person’s experiences, strengths and goals, and believes that feeling listened to and valued is central to effective support.

This approach also shapes her leadership of the LYCALI Framework and the development of its needs-led Discovery and post-diagnostic Navigate pathways.

What Stephanie can offer

• Initial consultations to explore concerns and appropriate next steps.

• Speech and Language Therapy assessments for children and young people aged 5–17.

• Autism assessments for children and adults as part of Lycali’s multidisciplinary assessment pathway.

• ADHD assessments for children and adults as part of Lycali’s assessment pathway.

• Attendance at Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) meetings.

• Guidance on communication needs, practical strategies and ongoing support.

Stephanie’s clinical areas of interest

Stephanie’s interests include social, emotional and mental health needs; autism and ADHD; dyslexia; and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). She is particularly passionate about helping people understand their individual needs and build confidence in everyday life.