Available to Book
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.
Comprehensive ADHD Assessments Tailored for All Ages – 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
BESPOKE FOR YOU
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
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).
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.
ADHD Assessments involve:
*Clinical interview and observations with client.
*Clinical interviews with informant (parent / partner or both).
*QB Check (objective test for ADHD).
*Standardised questionnaires.
*Information from school (if applicable).
*Information from early childhood, such as school reports.
*Review of other reports and documents (such as therapy records).
The assessment is concluded by a feedback appointment to discuss recommendations, along with the provision of a NICE compliant report.
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
Reviews
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