About InSight
"Masked" or "hidden" Autism and ADHD
Children and young people who are Autistic (also known as Autistic Spectrum Condition; ASC) and ADHD (Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can have a range of psychological needs, including sensory processing differences, anxiety, difficulties with executive functioning, social issues and issues with emotional regulation. For some Autistic and ADHD children and young people, their needs are quite visible or clear. For many others, these needs are less obvious to others, and may be more "hidden" or "masked". At InSight, we work with children whose psychological needs are more hidden. We offer therapeutic support to children and teenagers who have already received a diagnosis (Autism and / or ADHD). We also provide therapeutic support without a diagnosis (where there is emerging evidence of neurodivergence).
Psychological support for children, young people & families
At InSight, we believe that it is important that young people's needs are recognised and understood by the people around them and by the young person themselves, as they grow and mature. Living in a world that isn't designed for our needs, can lead to overwhelming feelings, such as anxiety, anger and low mood. Parents are often stuck and struggling with how best to support their child, who might be having regular meltdowns or high levels of anxiety. Often with Autistic and ADHD children, conventional parenting methods or techniques do not work. At InSight, we offer psychological therapy that aims, where possible, to relieve these strong difficult feelings, such as anxiety and anger, by working with the people caring for the young person. This can include supporting parents and educational environments with understanding the child's needs. We also offer psychological therapy for children and teenagers, to support them to make sense of their own needs and learn ways of coping.
Therapeutic support across Cheshire and Manchester
We are based in Altrincham, Cheshire, and can see families in person or online. We will discuss options with you. In terms of face-to-face work, this will depend on families being able to travel to Altrincham. We can see families from outside of the North-West for online support.
About Dr Emma Turl DClinPsy, CPsychol, PgCHPE, BSc (Hons)
Founder and Clinical Lead at InSight
Emma (she / her) is a Clinical Psychologist with 25 years+ experience of working with children, young people and families. She worked in the NHS for 20 years and also in a University setting and a third sector organisation. After 25 years of working in public services, she decided to put her energy into developing a quality service for families that she would be happy for her own family members to access.
Emma has personal experience of her own friends and family members seeking Autism and ADHD assessments for themselves and their children, both within the NHS and privately. In both settings, a diagnosis is often given with little post-diagnostic support. Whilst a diagnosis alone can lead to a new understanding and additional support, for many families, they are left with a feeling of “Is that it?” Families often would like further support, but don’t know where to look and can find it hard to find the appropriate help.
Throughout her career, Emma has worked with young people and their families both pre- and post-diagnosis. Whilst there are pockets of good practice, there are also significant gaps in service provision, meaning that many young people's needs are not being adequately understood and met.
Emma believes that a diagnosis, in itself, can be incredibly powerful. However, a lot of power can come from the making sense of and developing understanding, before or after a diagnosis. She is committed to and passionate about supporting families in this process.