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Best Practices
Personalised Guidance
24+ Years Experience
Registered with the HCPC & the BPS
Diagnosis often comes as a relief and can help the client understand themselves and their symptoms better. It tends to result in them seeking education about the disorder and developing strategies to manage symptoms. Diagnosis can aid access to formalised therapy, treatment and support, and is tailored for all ages.
Comprehensive ADHD and ASD Assessments – Get Clear Answers and Personalised Support
ADHD assessments for adults and children begin with a pre-assessment pack to gather background information, including developmental history, ideally with input from a parent or close informant. Questionnaires focusing on ADHD and related conditions are completed by the client, a parent, or, if relevant, are sent to a school or workplace. Clinical interviews (ACE or ACE+) explore developmental history and current symptoms, and a parent or another informant is encouraged to participate. Additional data, such as historical school reports or occupational reviews for adults, may also be reviewed. Observations are conducted during sessions, with school observations as needed. Following the assessment, a feedback session provides verbal results, and a comprehensive report with tailored recommendations is prepared for the client. This report, upon the client's request, can be shared with their GP or other professionals, and may include referrals, such as to psychiatry, for further support.
ADHD Assessment
The autism assessment process involves several key steps to comprehensively evaluate a child or client. First, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is used in a semi-structured, play- or conversation-based format to assess social communication and interaction skills. Additionally, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), a parent or carer interview, gathers insights on social interaction, language, and behavior patterns. Supplementary information, such as the Connors ADHD scales, behavioral checklists, or input from schools, may also be considered to provide a full picture. These elements together align with NICE Guidelines as part of the "gold standard" for assessing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
ASD Assessment
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Our Assessments
Dr Kim Whitaker is a Clinical Psychologist with over 24 years post qualification experience. She provides expert psychological assessment and diagnosis for individuals and for the courts. She works with solicitors, medico legal agencies and insurance companies, as well as accepting direct instructions for ASD and ADHD assessments from individuals.
About Dr Whitakerrr
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made according to the DSM-5 criteria (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). There are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive / impulsive or combined type.
ADHD
ADHD develops in childhood and about two thirds of children carry the disorder into adulthood. The way the symptoms present tends to change over time and, in adults, symptoms can be more subtle. Whilst there has been a rise in diagnosed cases in recent years, the majority of adult sufferers are thought to be undiagnosed and therefore untreated. Common presenting symptoms of ADHD are appearing chaotic at home or at work, poor time management, erratic moods, difficulty with anger, forgetfulness and distractibility. We often see co-occurring conditions, particularly with undiagnosed ADHD, such as anxiety, depression and problems with self-esteem.
Assessments
Assessments are carried out according to NICE guidelines which state :
The clinician should be registered with a professional body that has statutory powers. This means there are clear standards of practice to follow.
Dr Kim Whitaker is registered with the HCPC and the BPS.
There must be a Psychologist, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist as part of a diagnostic team. They should have previous training and experience working with children and young people.
Dr Whitaker has worked across Child and Adolescent and Adult services within her career in the NHS and since entering private practice.
Information should be obtained from multiple sources including interview and observational data. Standardised structured assessment tools such as the ACE and ACE+ should be used.
Dr Whitaker uses the ACE / ACE + in conjunction with clinical interviews and psychometrics (questionnaires).
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Assessment
This is completed by a multi-disciplinary team and is made up of several components: information from school /other professionals, a developmental assessment, questionnaires/ rating scales and direct assessment.
ASD Assessment Methods
Direct Assessment
For this, we use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) which is a semi structured, observational assessment with the child/client. This is either play or conversation based, depending on the age of the client and their speech and language abilities. This assessment provides the opportunity to consider strengths and challenges in social communication, interaction and play, which are important when making a diagnosis. The ADOS is not a “stand alone” diagnostic measure, but is part of the “gold standard” assessment as set out in the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Guidelines for the assessment of ASD.
Developmental Assessment
For the parent/carer assessment, the team use the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R). This a semi structured interview which focuses on behaviour in three main areas: quality of reciprocal social interaction; communication and language; and restricted, repetitive, stereotyped interests and behaviours. The ADI-R is appropriate for children and adults from the age of 18 months.
Any further comments you would like to make? "Outstanding!! Highly recommended"
How satisfied were you with your assessment? Very satisfied
Your experience with Dr Whitaker during the assessment? Professional-Compassionate-Easy to talk to-Knowledgeable-Felt listened to
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