Our Story
Our history
Dr Laura Powling created Evolve in 2014, offering expert witness services. This service developed to provide assessments in the community for both autism and ADHD. Evolve's clinical services has grown with an expert team offering assessments across the UK and Ireland. Evolve International Skills & Research Academy has been born from years of clinical experience and the desire to improve the lives of neurodivergent individuals.
Why we exist
Evolve was founded on a conviction that clinical expertise should not remain locked inside specialist services. The experience of working directly with neurodivergent individuals — through assessments, expert witness work and community services — made clear just how much difference real understanding can make.
It changes things for a child whose teacher finally gets them. For a parent who now has words for what their family is experiencing. For an employee whose manager has learned how to adjust. That understanding should not be the preserve of those lucky enough to access specialist services.
Evolve International Skills & Research Academy brings that same clinical rigour to organisations, schools and individuals — making world-class neurodiversity education accessible to everyone.
Our journey
The beginning
Dr Laura Powling creates Evolve, initially offering expert witness services. From the outset, the focus is on rigorous, clinician-led practice and making a genuine difference to neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Our first clinic
Dr Powling sets up the first Evolve clinic, making it possible to provide community-based assessments for neurodivergent children and adults. The team's reputation for clinical rigour and compassion grows quickly.
Awarded NHS contract
In 2019, Evolve is awarded its first NHS contract, to offer clinician-led assessments for those on the waiting list. This milestone validates the team's clinical credentials and opens access to many more neurodivergent individuals.
Celebrating our Dublin contract
Evolve's reach extends internationally, with a contract secured in Dublin. This marks Evolve's growth from a local clinic to an organisation delivering services across the UK and Ireland.
NHS contracts awarded to provide adult only autism assessments
We are now able to offer autism assessments for adults under NHS contract, widening access for people who had previously waited years for a diagnosis. This represents a major step in Evolve's mission.
Evolve International Skills & Research Academy
Evolve International Skills & Research Academy is established, bringing together Evolve's years of clinical experience and the desire to improve the lives of neurodivergent individuals through high-quality training and education for organisations and professionals.
Meet the people behind the Academy
Our team of expert clinicians, researchers and specialists, united by a passion for neurodiversity.
Meet the team