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Dr Kim Whitaker's
Practice

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Dr Kim Whitaker
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.

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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).


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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. 

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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.
  • ADOS TESTING. 
  • QB TESTING 

ASD assessment methods

Direct Assessment

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

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.

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.

How might a diagnosis help?
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. Personalised recommendations and feedback for the client form part of the assessment
Book Your Appointment Now
Use the link below to book your appointment. Once booked, we will contact you to provide further details and take payment 

Testimonials

 I called the office and was given my appointment straight away. Dr Whitaker is very professional. Her approach is excellent, and she helped me a great deal. Thank you 

Madeleine

 Thank you so much Dr Kim you have helped me alot! I now understand more about myself. Excellent service. 

Janet

 It as easy to book an appointment, and I was able to see Dr Whitaker in a couple of weeks. My assessment was relaxed and Dr Whitaker was easy to talk to. I was very satisfield with my overall experience. Thank you so much Dr Whitaker and team 

Gemma
  

Clinic Locations

BOLTONBOLTON

Regus Offices 120 Bark Street 6th Floor Bolton BL1 2AX

BURNLEYBURNLEY

Holiday Inn Express 55 Pendle Way Burnley BB12 0TJ

LIVERPOOLLIVERPOOL

Regus Offices Horton House Exchange Flags Liverpool L2 3PF

ALTRINCHAM (South Manchester)ALTRINCHAM (South Manchester)

249 North Lynnfield House Church Street Altrincham WA14 4DZ

MANCHESTER CITY CENTREMANCHESTER CITY CENTRE

Regus Offices 10th Floor 3 Hardman Street Spinningfields Manchester M3 3HF

PRESTONPRESTON

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

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

Contact

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Crisis Information
We do not have a crisis service available as part of our practice. If you experience a crisis and urgently need help, then you need to contact one of the following:

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.