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Role Profile:

The Autism GP Diagnosis study aims to test whether GPs can diagnose autism within a primary care setting. If successful, this could identify a simpler and faster pathway for autism diagnosis, helping autistic people to access the support they need earlier. Participants in our study will be assessed for autism by their GP over a maximum of three 15-minute appointments. Following this, they will undergo a comprehensive diagnostic assessment with a specialist research clinician. We will compare GPs' diagnostic decisions to those of specialist clinicians to evaluate the accuracy of autism diagnosis by GPs.

Scope of Work:

Up to three specialist research clinicians will be identified for the purpose of the study. The specialist research clinician will conduct clinical assessments of study participants with suspected autism to determine whether or not the participants meet DSM-5 criteria for autism. Assessments will be conducted in person within the clinic of the specialist research clinician, however assessments can be conducted virtually if required or at Douglas House. Participants will be assessed using standardized diagnostic assessments, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), or 3Di (Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview). The clinician will assess the participant over a 3-hour appointment within 4 weeks of them seeing the GP which will be scheduled by the study team. The diagnostic assessment session will be video recorded with participant consent. Following assessment, the specialist clinician will provide a diagnostic report which will confirm the participants diagnosis.

Scheduling of Work:

Research clinicians must have an available clinical room and capacity to assess up to 3 study participants per week. Clinicians will provide brief written reports for each assessment. The assignment will be for the duration of the study, with an expected contract period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the research study. Payment will be made on a per- complete assessment basis and additional payments will not be made if more than one session is required to complete the assessment.

Deliverables:

• Completed diagnostic assessments for a maximum of 3 patients per week.
• Timely submission of reports for each assessment including clinical summary, diagnostic impression and scoring and recommendations for further evaluations or interventions if necessary.

Qualifications / Experience:

Essential:

Research Clinicians are required to have:

• Clinical experience in the assessment of autism in either or both children and adults.
• Experience in assessing at least 100 autistic patients, demonstrating proficiency in clinical evaluation and diagnostic assessment.
• Proven expertise in using standardized diagnostic tools for autism assessment, specifically the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), or the Developmental, Dimensional, and Diagnostic Interview (3Di).
• Knowledge with current research and clinical guidelines on autism, including understanding of the diagnostic criteria outlined in DSM-5 and ICD-10.

Desirable:

• Ability to work independently and effectively manage participant assessments while adhering to research timelines and protocols.
• Previous experience working in a research study or clinical research environment.
• Familiarity with additional diagnostic tools and assessments for autism (e.g., sensory processing measures, social communication inventories).
• Experience working with diverse populations, including varying age groups and backgrounds, in both clinical and research settings.

Application Details:

Informal queries should be directed to Dr Divyush Khemka at GPDiagnosisStudy@medschl.cam.ac.uk

Interested candidates should submit the following to GPDiagnosisStudy@medschl.cam.ac.uk:

• A current CV detailing relevant experience, including the number of autism assessments performed and familiarity with the ADOS, ADI-R, or 3Di.
• A cover letter outlining the clinician's experience, skills, and interest in participating in the research study.
• Contact information for at least two professional references who can speak to the clinician's experience in assessing autism.

Closing date of 11th May with interviews to be confirmed.

Please quote reference RN45759 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.