Welcome to
Dr Kim Whitaker's
Practice
Trustworthy Care & Compassion For All
Call : 0161 5490866
Business Hours: Mon-Fri
9.30am-12.30pm
and
6.00pm-10pm
Sat and Sun 10am-10pm
- ADOS TESTING.
- QB TESTING
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.
Questionnaires, Information from School/Other Sources.
Supplementary information is completed on a case by case basis, and might include the Connors ADHD scales, behavioural checklists or a consideration of anxiety/ low mood. Whilst is not always possible to observe in a school setting, discussion with school and / or information from school is considered.
Registered and Chartered Clinical Psychologist : skilled in the assessment of children, young people and adults.
*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.
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, particularly among women, 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 can have a considerable functional impact at school, in work and in terms of relationships.
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.
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).
Informants
Dr Whitaker asks to speak with a parent who can report on childhood symptoms. If this is not possible then input from another family member, partner, employer or good friend is required. Wherever possible, clinical interviews should be supplemented with collateral information, such as reports from school or occupational appraisals/performance reviews. Dr Whitaker seeks other reports for review and requests information from school. She will make contact with other involved professionals where warranted (after discussing this with the client first).
Assessments are a complex and multi-step process and are typically made up of:
Pre-assessment pack: This asks for background information and current concerns. Some of this will focus upon the developmental (childhood) history, so ideally in the case of adults they would have someone (a parent) to support them with completing this.
Questionnaires: These focus on ADHD and other conditions, where appropriate. These are self-report / parent-report measures, and might also be sent to school or the workplace.
Clinical interview (ACE or ACE +): Again, there is a focus on developmental history, as well as current symptoms. A parent or other informant is helpful to have alongside you during the interview.
Information from other sources: This might involve a review of historic reports / school reports or (in younger people) information can be collected directly from school or college. In the case of adults, occupational appraisals or performance reviews can be considered.
Observations: These are made during the session. School observations are carried out where appropriate.
Feedback A verbal feedback session is included in the cost of the assessment. All the information from the assessment is collated to produce a written report, along with individualised recommendations for the client. This can be made available to GP’s and other professionals dependent upon the clients wishes. Sometimes onward referral is recommended, for instance to Psychiatry, for consideration of medication.
Testimonials
Medico Legal Services
Face to Face Consultation
Appointments can be arranged at one of our dedicated clinics across the Northwest of England.
Medico Legal Assessment
Dr Whitaker offers assessment across the age range in her personal injury clinics. Assessment involves a diagnostic interview, review of medical records and the use of psychometrics. In child cases, children are seen along with a parent or carer. Reports are usually available within two weeks of the appointment.
Remote Video Consultation
Virtual assessments, conducted by video link from anywhere, by computer, tablet or phone.
Health professional Council
Family Court Work
Dr Whitaker offers comprehensive family court assessments within public and private law cases. She tends to focus upon children and teenagers, but will provide parenting assessments as part of a full family assessment. Assessment is indicated where there are concerns about the emotional wellbeing or development of the child or children within a family. Reports focus upon emerging personality patterns, attachments, family dynamics and the effects of early trauma. Reports are usually provided within eight weeks of instruction.
British Psychology Society
Clinic Locations
BOLTON
Regus Offices 120 Bark Street 6th Floor Bolton BL1 2AX
BURNLEY
Holiday Inn Express 55 Pendle Way Burnley BB12 0TJ
LIVERPOOL
Regus Offices Horton House Exchange Flags Liverpool L2 3PF
ALTRINCHAM (South Manchester)
249 North Lynnfield House Church Street Altrincham WA14 4DZ
MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
Regus Offices 10th Floor 3 Hardman Street Spinningfields Manchester M3 3HF
PRESTON
Holiday Inn The Ringway Preston PR1 3AU
WARRINGTON
Regus Offices Cinnamon House Cinnamon Park Crab Lane Fearnhead Warrington WA2 0XP
WIGAN
Westward House, King Street, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Floor Wigan Lancashire WN1 1LP
BLACKBURN
Business First Business Centre, Davyfield Road Blackburn Lancashire BB1 2QY
Contact
Your GP's out of hours urgent care service.
NHS 111 for advice and signposting.
The crisis team of your local NHS Mental Health Trust. In the event of an emergency, you need to go to your local A&E.