About
Dr Carly Butler, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist
I am an HCPC registered Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, with over 10 years experience of working for the NHS with people with neurological conditions.
I understand that being referred for a neuropsychological assessment can bring up feelings of worry and uncertainty. My primary aim, therefore, is to create an environment where you feel comfortable, respected, and safe enough to explore some of the difficulties you may have noticed. Together with my specialist experience, I pride myself on the genuine and compassionate approach I take to working with all people I meet.
Since completing my doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Royal Holloway University London), I have held various positions in inpatient, outpatient and community-based services, working with adults across the lifespan. I have also completed specialist, post-graduate training in Clinical Neuropsychology (University of Glasgow).
I currently work in the NHS as a Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist within a diagnostic neuropsychology department, where I am the neuropsychology lead for the brain tumour and deep brain stimulation pathways.
Outside of my NHS work, I offer private diagnostic neuropsychological assessments, assessments of neurodivergence (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD etc.) and pre-treatment (i.e. 'baseline') assessments for those undergoing treatment or surgery for any neurological condition. I also work as an expert witness within medico-legal (e.g. personal injury) and criminal settings.
What is a neuropsychological assessment?
If you've been diagnosed with a neurological condition, have some worries about changes in your thinking skills, or if you're simply curious to learn more about how you think and work at your best, you may benefit from a neuropsychological assessment (sometimes known as a cognitive assessment).
A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive test of a different mental functions. The assessment can help to highlight areas of strength in your thinking skills (or 'cognition'), and any relative areas of need. This information can help us to better understand:
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The underlying cause for changes in your cognition, and aiding diagnosis.
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The impact of any neurological condition on your cognition.
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Your cognitive profile (including evidence of neurodivergence) and how you work at your best.
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Any reasonable adjustments that might be required for your work or studies.
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What support or treatment you might benefit from.
Cognitive assessments vary depending on the person's presenting symptoms. Most assessments will involve meeting for between 2-4 hours where we aim to establish a clearer picture of your main difficulties and symptoms, obtain a detailed history, and complete a series of pen and paper tasks looking at different areas of cognition.
Following the assessment, you receive a detailed report of the findings.