Expert Witness Services

Elaine Nicholson MBE offers expert witness services in proceedings involving neurodevelopmental conditions, with specialist expertise in autism spectrum conditions across the lifespan.

Elaine holds formal training in expert witness practice through Bond Solon, the UK’s leading provider of legal training for expert witnesses. She is fully conversant with the duties imposed upon experts under CPR Part 35, including the accompanying Practice Direction and the Protocol for the Instruction of Experts.

Her reports are prepared in accordance with court standards, ensuring clarity, impartiality, and compliance with legal requirements.

Areas of Instruction

Elaine is currently instructed in:

Immigration Tribunal Proceedings: Providing expert opinion in cases where autism and neurodevelopmental conditions are relevant to vulnerability, communication, credibility, or lived experience.

Civil Proceedings: Offering independent clinical assessments in matters requiring professional evaluation of neurodivergent individuals, including diagnostic clarification and functional impact.

Clinical & Academic Credentials

Elaine’s expert opinions are underpinned by:

• Over two decades of clinical experience
• Diagnostic qualification in ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
• Master’s degree-level academic study in autism
• Extensive work with individuals and families across the lifespan

Her approach integrates both clinical frameworks and lived experience, providing the court with nuanced, real-world insight.

Elaine is available to accept instructions from:

1. Solicitors acting for either claimant or defendant
2. Public bodies and organisations
3. Direct instruction from the court

All instructions are considered with professionalism, discretion, and a clear understanding of legal timelines and requirements.