ABOUT
Helen O'Keefe - Neurodevelopmental Nurse Specialist
Over 39 years of helping children and families thrive
I'm Helen O'Keefe, a Registered Nurse and Neurodevelopment Specialist with almost 40 years of experience working with children, young people and families across NHS Wales.
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Throughout my career I've specialised in supporting children with autism, ADHD, developmental differences, additional learning needs and complex medical conditions, helping families understand their child's needs while navigating assessment, diagnosis and ongoing support.
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After decades working within the NHS, I established my private practice because I knew families needed more than long waiting lists and limited appointments. They needed someone with the time, experience and compassion to listen, explain, and provide practical guidance that genuinely makes a difference.
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Today I offer independent neurodevelopment consultations, parent support, school advice and assessments across South Wales, giving families personalised support when they need it most.
✦ FREE 20-minute discovery call · No obligation
EXPERIENCE
A career dedicated to neurodevelopment
My career has taken me through almost every aspect of children's neurodevelopmental care.
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I've worked as a:
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Clinical Nurse Specialist in Paediatrics
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Clinical Nurse Lead for Neurodevelopment Services
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Specialist Nurse for Children with Disabilities
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Community Children's Nurse Team Leader
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Specialist School Nurse
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Registered Children's Nurse
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Registered General Nurse
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Most notably, I had the privilege of developing and leading Neurodevelopment Services within both Cwm Taf and Powys Teaching Health Boards, helping design assessment pathways, clinical protocols and multidisciplinary services that continue supporting children and families today.
Compassion
I understand that every family's journey is different.
Understanding
I take time to listen before offering advice.
Practical Support
Real-world strategies that families can actually use.
Partnership
Working alongside parents, schools and professionals.
Early Intervention
The earlier children receive the right support, the better the outcomes.
Strengths First
Helping children build confidence by recognising what they can do.
Working with families—not just diagnoses
My approach has always been about seeing the child before the diagnosis.
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Every child has strengths, interests and potential. My role is to help families understand how their child's brain works, reduce uncertainty, and develop practical strategies that improve everyday life at home, in school and within the community.
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Whether we're discussing autism, ADHD, sensory differences, behaviour, emotional wellbeing or complex health needs, I believe support should always be compassionate, evidence-based and tailored to the individual child.
Professional qualifications & specialist training
My professional background includes:
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Registered General Nurse (RGN)
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Registered Sick Children's Nurse (RSCN)
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Specialist Community Practitioner – Children's Community Nursing
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BSc (Hons) Community Health Studies
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MSc Professional Practice (Autism Module)
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Alongside my formal qualifications, I've completed specialist training in:
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ADOS Autism Assessment
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PECS
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THRIVE Practitioner
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Autism Coaching
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Sensory Processing
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Motivational Interviewing
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Leadership and Service Management
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This ongoing professional development ensures my practice remains current, evidence-based and focused on achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
One of the proudest moments of my career was receiving the Autism Heroes People's Choice Award after being nominated by families I had supported.
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Being recognised by parents themselves remains one of the greatest honours of my professional life and reflects the values that continue to guide my work today. I was also invited to present my work at the World Autism Day event at the Senedd, highlighting my role in supporting children and families across Wales.
Professional qualifications & specialist training
My professional background includes:
​
-
Registered General Nurse (RGN)
-
Registered Sick Children's Nurse (RSCN)
-
Specialist Community Practitioner – Children's Community Nursing
-
BSc (Hons) Community Health Studies
-
MSc Professional Practice (Autism Module)
​
Alongside my formal qualifications, I've completed specialist training in:
​
-
ADOS Autism Assessment
-
PECS
-
THRIVE Practitioner
-
Autism Coaching
-
Sensory Processing
-
Motivational Interviewing
-
Leadership and Service Management
​
This ongoing professional development ensures my practice remains current, evidence-based and focused on achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
Absolutely amazing lady so passionate, kind and caring and amazing at what she does... Helen is so conscientious and left no stone unturned in trying to find the best solution. She is one of the best I have ever encountered in my 24 years of being a parent of a child with additional needs.
— Bev M
Parents and families who want support and guidance navigating their child's needs
Families concerned about their child's development and unsure where to start
Pre-diagnosis support — helping you prepare, gather evidence and navigate the referral pathway
Post-diagnosis support — making sense of a new diagnosis and building practical strategies
Parents and families who want support and guidance navigating their child's needs
Families concerned about their child's development and unsure where to start
Supporting families across South Wales
Based in Merthyr Tydfil, I work with families throughout South Wales, providing independent neurodevelopment support that's personal, professional and grounded in decades of NHS experience.
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Whether you're looking for guidance before an assessment, support following a diagnosis, or practical advice to help your child flourish, I'm here to help.
START HERE
Not sure where to start?
Let's have a chat.
Book a FREE 20-minute discovery call FREE to talk through your concerns, ask questions and find out if I'm the right fit for your family.
Or email:Â helenokeefenurse@gmail.com