Autism Services

We provide exceptional quality autism assessments for children, young people, and adults across the North-East of England. This includes Newcastle (including Gateshead, Tyneside and Northumberland), Durham, Darlington and Teesside (including Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar & Cleveland).

During a free consultation with a Clinical Psychologist, we will speak to you about your requirements and if appropriate consider differential diagnosis with you. It is possible that further assessment is not indicated. However, if assessment is required then we will develop an assessment plan with you. Assessments can include taking a detailed developmental history, gathering information from school, an observation within school, a cognitive assessment, Speech and Language Therapy assessment and the ADOS-2.

We can start the assessment within 2-4 weeks of your first contact with us and will guide you through every step of the process. The exact cost of the assessment will depend on which components are required to reach a conclusion in relation to diagnosis. This will be discussed with you following the initial consultation.

Our Team

Dr Tom Laverick Clinical Psychologist, Paediatric Neuropsychology Lead & Autism Service Lead

Dr Tom Laverick

Clinical Psychologist, Paediatric Neuropsychology Lead & Autism Service Lead

Tom has extensive experience in working with children and young people in both NHS and independent practice, where he has occupied roles such as Clinical Lead within a specialist nhs autism assessment service. Tom has also worked with adults experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties and he has an ongoing interest with the treatment of PTSD. Tom is trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and has Full Accreditation with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), as well as being trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Tom is the Clinical Lead for the Clarity Autism service and has completed training in the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), as well as the developmental, dimensional, and diagnostic interview (3di).

Tom is passionate about conducting research in his field; supervising ongoing autism based research (e.g., autism and camouflaging / masking) and publishing research findings to advance practice e.g., 'Epilepsy and Accelerated Long-Term Forgetting' with Professor Alan Baddeley. His research skills, knowledge and expertise therefore allow him to deliver the highest standard of clinical work.

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Lisa Buckle Speech & Language Therapist

Lisa Buckle

Speech & Language Therapist

Lisa has been working as a Speech & Language Therapist since qualifying from Newcastle University in 2014. She specialises in Autism and has been working to support people with Autism in a range of settings for almost 8 years.

Lisa carries out formal and informal language assessments as well as clinical observations to identify an individual’s communication strengths and needs. She is passionate about supporting individuals and uses therapeutic approaches to support people in their speech, Language & communication.

Lisa is trained in Makaton at the enhanced level, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and has completed training in the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).

She is committed to providing a high standard and takes pride in adapting her approach to fit the individual.

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Dr Patrick Welsh Clinical Psychologist

Dr Patrick Welsh

Clinical Psychologist

Patrick has worked with young people and adults with a diagnosis of Autism for over ten years in a range of clinical settings. He has completed training in the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) and recently worked as a therapist on the personalised anxiety trial for autistic adults at Newcastle University. He is therefore experienced in making adaptations to ensure people are able to attend and engage in therapy.

Throughout his career, Patrick has been research active, publishing widely on topics such as autism, psychosis and how best to involve young people in mental health research. His research skills and knowledge thus compliment his clinical work.

As someone diagnosed with autism as an adult, he is passionate to ensure appropriate support is available to others.

Toni Brown Practitioner Psychologist

Toni Brown

Practitioner Psychologist

Toni is a Practitioner Psychologist and Registered General Nurse. She has worked with both autistic children and adults for over 26 years in various settings, including charities in the northeast and London, schools, community and inpatient, providing both group and individual therapeutic input. Most recently her role was Clinical Lead in an NHS adult autism diagnostic team. Toni left the NHS after 20 years to concentrate on spending more time with a local charity. She has been part of the child and adult diagnostic service within the charity since it’s onset and continues to work for them as well as an associate with Clarity.

One of her roles within the NHS involved working on a research study in collaboration with Newcastle University exploring barriers and facilitators to accessing physical health care for older autistic adults.

Toni has recently completed training in Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) with Great Ormond Street and has a keen interest in tic disorders.

All professionals within the Clarity Psychology team are registered with the appropriate professional regulatory body responsible for maintaining standards in care.