Clarity

What is autism?

There has been increased recognition and awareness of autism over recent years. More people have been seeking an assessment for a diagnosis in adulthood.

Diagnostic criteria refer to social and communication difficulties, as well as a preference for sameness, strong interests and sensory sensitivities. As autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, these differences would have been present since childhood. Diagnostic criteria refer to these as ‘impairments’ and ‘deficits’ however there is increased recognition of the strengths that the autistic brain and neurodiversity can have. As these difficulties exist on a spectrum, there is a lot of variety amongst people with ASD.

The National Autistic Society are a good source of information about autism: What is autism?

The Autism Quotient test was designed by Simon Baron-Cohen, a well-renowned researcher into autism. The tool is widely available on the internet and can easily be accessed via search engines. Although this is not definitive, i.e., it is not 100% accurate, it can be a useful tool in thinking about whether someone may exhibit any autistic traits.

Reasons To Get An Assessment

For a lot of adults with ASD, receiving a diagnosis can be a positive first step towards self- acceptance. It can help people to understand the difficulties that they have had throughout their life and give them chance to learn more about ASD. It may also be helpful for an individual to share a diagnosis with friends, family, colleagues or employers as this will help them to understand better. It can help them to empathise with any difficulties and provide an individual with extra support. It may also be helpful in seeking appropriate support from local services, if needed.

Who We Are

We are a team of highly specialist and experienced clinical psychologists who have expertise in assessing and diagnosing autism. We have extensive experience of working in the NHS, including setting up and managing adult autism diagnostic services in various areas.

Dr Kate Leonard

My name is Dr Kate Leonard and I qualified as a clinical psychologist in 2007. I am registered with the Health Care Professionals Council. I have extensive NHS experience, having worked in the NHS for 23 years. I have been conducting diagnostic assessments in ASD since 2010. This was the main part of my job when I was clinical lead for an NHS Autism Diagnostic Service for adults from 2012 until 2023. Now, my clinical work is focused on meeting the needs of my clients with Clarity Manchester.

I set up Clarity Manchester in 2014 to be able to offer timely autism assessments for adults (age 16 and above). I see a lot of people who are frustrated with the length of NHS waiting lists and are keen to arrange an assessment more quickly. Sometimes, individuals are seeking to develop their understanding of themselves with a view to them accepting their differences and embracing their strengths. I also see a number of people who are hoping for a diagnosis to be able to access support at work or in education. Interestingly, most of the clients I see are women, many of whom end up with a diagnosis, which probably reflects the tendency for them to be missed early in life.
I am trained in using the Autism Diagnostic Observations Schedule (ADOS) and the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication disorders (DISCO) – both of which are gold-standard tools for assessing and diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.

Dr Lynsey Fulton

My name is Dr Lynsey Fulton and I have been working as a qualified clinical psychologist since 2013. I am registered with the Health Care Professionals Council and have been employed in the NHS since 2007. Prior to training as a clinical psychologist, I worked in learning disability and autism services in several different capacities, working directly with children and adults as well as with their families/carers.

Since qualifying, I have continued to work in learning disability and autism services. In my current NHS practice, my role involves carrying out diagnostic assessments with adults using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). I have completed training to use both of these assessments which are gold standard assessment tools.

Dr Sarah Tomlinson

My name is Dr Sarah Tomlinson and I am a HCPC registered clinical psychologist. I work for the NHS in learning disability services, and in my private work I specialise in autism. I have worked with autistic people since I began working as a support worker in 1996, which is what sparked my interest. Since qualifying as a psychologist in 2007 I have worked in the NHS with many people with autism with varying levels of ability, and I have worked in NHS autism diagnostic services during this time. I began working privately and offering autism assessments in part due to the lengthy NHS waits. I am trained in DISCO and ADOS assessment tools.

I strongly believe in a neuro-affirmative approach; in other words, that autism is one example of a neurodiverse condition that is a difference rather than something someone is ‘suffering with’ or disabled by. There are many strengths and positive qualities to having autism, and people’s struggles are often due to society’s expectations and the lack of adaptations made rather than something within themselves they need to fix. However, the certainty of a diagnosis can help provide some answers and begin a journey of acceptance.

Dr Anna Dodd

My name is Dr Anna Dodd and I qualified as a clinical psychologist in 2005. I am registered with the Health Care Professionals Council and am a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society. I have been working in the Nhs for 23 years. I have been conducting autism assessments since 2005. This is currently the main focus of my NHS post, as well as providing clinical leadership for an NHS adult autism diagnostic and post diagnostic service. I am heavily involved in ongoing work across the GM region with their autism strategy and follow up groups.

I have worked with autistic people, including children, adults and families/carers since 1997. My interest was first sparked during my childhood, when my mum worked in a school for autistic children. This led to me completing my undergraduate dissertation with autistic children. This interest has only grown ever since. I am a strong advocate for the autistic community and have a strong neuroaffirmative ethos.

I have extensive experience of conducting autism assessments, and am trained in the ADOS. I have 20 years experience in using the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-revised).

Dr Ellen Harper

My name is Ellen, I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2021. I am registered with the Health Care Professionals Council. I specialise in working with people who suffer with a range of difficulties including past traumas, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or a sense of feeling stuck. Having worked in NHS Adult Mental Health settings since 2016, I have a wealth of experience working with autistic adults and the difficulties they may face. I recognise the importance of tailoring communication and interpersonal approaches to suit each individual's needs, including the consideration of traits associated with autism.

I adopt an integrative approach when working with people, drawing on a range of models including compassion and acceptance based approaches, relational and cognitive approaches. Guided by an open and collaborative style, I strive to work together with clients to better understand their difficulties and diagnosis(es), as well as find ways to make meaningful changes within a relatively short period of time.

Rebecca Leonard

I joined the team around September 2023, before starting University. I am currently studying undergraduate Psychology at the University of Leeds in hopes to go on to be a clinical psychologist! My role is to support you in your journey with Clarity, from your initial contact with us to your first appointment with your psychologist. I will be answering your emails promptly and helping you to book appointments. I will also answer any questions you may have or direct your queries to our associates.

Dr Emma Chorlton

Dr Emma Chorlton, Principal Clinical Psychologist completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Lancaster University, qualifying in 2013. Emma has worked with autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities since qualification, and has worked in Wigan Adult Autism Diagnostic Service (part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust) since 2018. In February 2023 she became the lead for post-diagnostic interventions for autistic people within this service, and she continues to work there to date. She is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Care Professions Council.

Emma has completed training in using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS; a direct assessment of autism), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R; a developmental interview), and the Autism Clinical Interview Adults (ACIA; an interview which can be used to gather current and developmental information from adults seeking diagnosis or people who know them well). She is also a Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) Practitioner and has written published work about doing CAT with autistic people.

Dr Louise Hall

My name is Dr Louise Hall and I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I am registered with the HCPC and a chartered member of the British Psychological Society. I have worked in the NHS since 2004 and qualified as a Clinical Psychologist in 2008. During this time, I have worked with children and adults across a range of settings and have specialised in working initially with adults with learning disabilities and then with autistic adults. I currently lead an NHS adult autism diagnostic service, where I routinely conduct autism assessments as well as providing strategic leadership for the service. In addition to my clinical work, I have previously completed research during my doctoral training in conjunction with the National Autistic Society, which looked at the experiences of families with young autistic children.

I strongly believe in the importance of timely diagnosis and of the positive impact this can have in someone’s journey of self-awareness, which is what brought me to working with Clarity. I am trained in the use of the ADOS-2, ADI-R and the ACIA, all standardised tools often used in the assessment of autism.

Abigail Gibson

My name is Abigail Gibson. I am a team member at the Greater Manchester Autism Consortium which is a part of the National autistic society. I have been in my current role for the last 7 years and the main part of my role is supporting autistic adults coming to terms with a diagnosis, working on self-knowledge and navigating life from a unique way of being. I also offer advice and support to parents of autistic children and professionals seeking advice across Greater Manchester which has allowed me to gain a good base in understanding services and logistics across the Greater Manchester area. In addition to my day job, I am a parent to 3 young neurodivergent people. I myself am also autistic which allows me a unique space as I come from place of lived experience. I feel this is a key part in me being able to support other autistic people. I am invested in autistic people on their self-discovery journey and always try to be a safe person to help them to find the things that bring joy to life and to explore a new way of being that is open to all autistic people when they become aware that they are not flawed but are autistic.

Becky Spawton

My name is Becky Spawton. I am passionate about challenging stereotypes, raising awareness, improving education around neurodiversity and bringing about positive change for autistic children and adults! I have a varied academic background with degrees in social studies and law and also have training in counselling. I previously worked in Legal Practice with a strong focus on social justice. I arrived at my facilitation and education pathway through lived experience.

Due to my own lived experience, I have thrown myself into researching and learning everything I can about autism and have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which have led me into various roles facilitating the understanding of different neurotypes through education and advocacy. I have a strong neuro-affirmative approach.

I have been working for IAPT as an EBE, delivering autism training for mental health professionals and for Autism Central at Great Minds Together as a Peer Educator, working directly to support and educate autistic adults and families. I recently completed the Anna Freud National Autism Train the Trainer Programme as an EBE. I am a member of both the GMAC family and adult advisory groups.

I am working with Clarity Manchester in the role of Autism Consultant because I want to bring my knowledge and experience to support you in your journey through assessment, diagnosis and beyond!

The assessment

Some people have found it hard to get a diagnostic assessment from the NHS. They may wish to be seen more quickly that their local NHS services can offer.

How do I arrange an assessment with you?
If you want to go ahead and arrange an independent assessment, then you can email us at claritymanchester@protonmail.com.

We will respond to your email within 2 working days of you making contact with us. Please make sure that you include your telephone number so that we can call you to discuss scheduling an appointment.

What does an assessment involve?
An assessment would typically involve 2 sessions of up to 3 hours in total. This would consist of general information gathering, administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and speaking to someone else who knows you well. Ideally, this would be someone who is able to give information about your early development, usually a parent. In cases where it is not possible to speak to someone who knew you well when you were growing, we can usually work around this by asking about your memories of childhood and speaking to someone who knows you well now, like a partner or close friend.

After the assessment is complete there will be a feedback session to discuss the outcome and a full report will be provided detailing the assessment process and my clinical opinion.

Where would the appointments take place?
Each of our associates offer appointments in different locations which means that we are able to be flexible about where we can see you. We arrange our appointments at various locations in Sale, Chorlton, Gatley and Cheadle. Do let us know when you contact us if you have a preference about where you would like to be seen.

Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes - during the pandemic, clinicians had to adapt their typical means of assessing autism when we were unable to meet face to face. Many NHS and independent practitioners began to conduct assessments virtually. Being able to offer appointments online is convenient and can reduce anxiety about the assessment process as clients do not have to travel to new places. We are continuing to offer online appointments which will be offered using Microsoft Teams. This means that we are able to see clients from anywhere in the UK.

How long will I have to wait to be seen?
We endeavour to see people within 4-6 weeks of them confirming that they wish to go ahead, although this may be slightly longer over holiday periods or if we are very busy. We will keep you updated if your wait is going to be longer than that.

When do your appointments take place?
Appointments will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Evening and weekend appointments can also be arranged.

How much does the assessment cost?
Clinical assessment, feedback session and full report will cost £1600.

Do you offer any options to spread payments?
We are able to offer payment plans through Go Cardless. This means that payments would be spread as 4 payments of £400. Do contact us for more information regarding this..

Do you offer assessments for any other conditions?
A standard part of the assessment process would be explore an individual’s emotional well-being, including the presence of anxiety disorders and/or depression.

We are also able to offer assessment for ADHD alongside an ASD assessment. This means that we do not provide ADHD assessments in their own, only as an additional diagnosis with autism. There is an additional cost for this extra part of assessment. It should be noted that as we are clinical psychologists, we are not able to prescribe medication.

We are also able to offer assessment in relation to learning disability. Again, contact us for further information.

Do you have any options to discuss the assessment before I decide whether I want to go ahead?
Absolutely; we are more than happy to talk through the assessment over the telephone or answer questions over email before you decide if you want to go ahead.

We also have an option for a screening appointment if you are not sure if an assessment is right for you. This might be appropriate if it has not been suggested by a health care or education professional that you might be autistic. A screening appointment is a 90 minute session where we would offer our opinion at the end as to whether a full assessment would be indicated. The cost of this is £300 however we would deduct this from the cost of a full assessment if you went ahead. Please ask us for more details if you want to arrange this.

Do you offer any support following diagnosis?
We are now able to offer post-diagnostic support for people after they receive a diagnosis from us. Do ask us for more information about this.