Autism Diagnostic Assessment & ADHD Screening for Adults

Why Connect To Autism?

Choosing someone you can trust to carry out an autism assessment is an important decision. 

That’s where Connect To Autism, led by Anne Marie Gallagher BSc, RCSLT, ASILTIP, makes a difference.

With over 25 years of experience as a Speech and Language Therapist, Anne Marie has specialised in both diagnostic assessments and interventions for autistic adults within NHS Scotland.

Her expertise is focused on identifying autism in adults whose traits may have been overlooked or masked for many years, especially women and those who camouflage their differences. 

Connect to Autism has also been commissioned by NHS health boards to undertake autism assessments, providing further reassurance that assessments are robust and professionally recognised. 

When you choose Connect to Autism, you are guaranteed continuity throughout your process as you work directly with Anne Marie. 

For the past two decades, Anne Marie has focused on identifying autism in adults, especially females, and now provides private autism assessments across Scotland, England, and the wider UK.

Anne Marie Gallagher
BSc, RCSLT, ASILTIP

Core Autism Diagnostic Assessment & ADHD Services

Autism Diagnostic Assessment & ADHD Screening

An autism diagnostic assessment is a thorough process that helps me determine whether or not a person exhibits lifelong patterns of behaviour and thoughts consistent with those on the autism spectrum. Through this process, the possible presence of an ADHD profile can also be considered.

At Connect to Autism, I take great care in recognising the unique ways autism can show up in both adults and young people. No two people are the same, and your story matters.

My aim is to offer clarity, understanding, and support—so you can move through your social, professional, and personal life with more insight and confidence.

By dividing my assessment into two parts, I avoid individuals who may not meet current diagnostic criteria from paying for a full assessment. 

During an assessment, we’ll gently explore how you experience communication, relationships, and social interactions in different parts of your life. These conversations will touch on both your current experiences and memories from childhood, helping me build a fuller picture of your journey.

Get in touch today with an initial telephone consultation to discover how I can help you on your diagnostic journey.

 

Your Diagnostic Journey

Chat with Anne Marie (optional)

Not sure if an assessment is right for you? 

You can ask questions, talk through what has brought you to Connect to Autism and find out whether the service is right for you. There’s no obligation or requirement to proceed.

You’ll speak directly with Anne Marie, the clinician who carries out your assessment, so you can also get a feel for whether you’re comfortable with her approach. 

This consultation lasts up to 30 minutes and is of no cost. 

Arrange your chat here

* Please note: If no times are suitable for you, please enquire via the contact form for another available option. 

Diagnostic Assessment: Part 1

Ready to proceed?

You’ll first be asked to complete an early developmental questionnaire (EDQ). Ideally, this is completed by someone who knew you as a child, but if that isn’t possible, you can complete it yourself using your own memories to the best of your ability. 

I’ll review the questionnaire and arrange a 30–60 minute phone or Zoom call to discuss your answers and ask any follow-up questions. Subtle signs of autism can be easy to miss, particularly in women, so this review is an important part of the process.

After the call, I’ll explain whether I believe it is:

  • Highly likely that you meet the criteria for autism, or
  • Highly unlikely that you meet the criteria for autism.

If autism appears highly likely, you’ll then have the option to continue with the full diagnostic assessment if you wish. 

Diagnostic Assessment: Part 2

The full diagnostic assessment takes place over Zoom and usually lasts 2–2.5 hours.

We’ll work through the diagnostic criteria together, looking at both childhood experiences and how autism may present in your life now. In adults, traits are often subtle or hidden through years of masking, so the assessment looks beyond outward behaviour and considers the way you think, process and experience the world.

Because we go through the criteria together, there is no sudden “reveal” at the end. You’ll understand how and why the diagnosis has been reached. 

Many people find the process helps them understand themselves, their past experiences and their challenges in a new way.

Report

A full diagnostic report, approximately 4,000 words, explaining how you fulfil the diagnostic criteria will be forwarded in PDF format, by the Friday of the week in which you have been assessed.

You will also get a very short document that just states your diagnosis. If required a third document can be generated which can detail recommendations within education or work environments.

How Much Does It Cost?

Diagnostic Autism Assessment

  • CHAT WITH ANNE MARIE FREE

    This is your chance to ask questions about the assessment and talk through anything you’re unsure about, including masking, trauma, sensory sensitivities, the potential benefits of diagnosis, and what the final report includes. You’ll also speak directly with Anne Marie Gallagher, the clinician who would carry out your assessment, so you can get a feel for her approach and make sure the service feels right for you.

  • DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT: PART ONE: £300

    This is the initial clinical assessment and evaluation of the early developmental questionnaire (EDQ), the outcome of which will be to say that its highly likely or unlikely that the person will get a positive ASD diagnosis.

  • DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT: PART TWO: Full assessment & report £1200

    This is the full assessment, the outcome of which will be a report that details how you meet the diagnostic criteria for an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Recommendations for education and workplace can also be given if requested. This assessment takes place over zoom.

  • TOTAL COST £1500

Fees can be paid by bank transfer, UK or international.

Please note:

  • If none of the times are suitable for you to chat to Anne Marie, please feel free to email and request a time that would suit you.
  • Part 1 is via telephone however a zoom call can be requested if preferred 
  • ADHD screening is included in the ASD diagnostic assessment.

‘The whole process was timely and very straightforward. I was more apprehensive than I expected for the full assessment, but Anne Marie was so friendly and knowledgeable that I quickly felt at ease. I would highly recommend that anyone wondering about a potential diagnosis get in touch with Anne Marie.’

Where Can I Get A Private Autism Assessment Near Me?

You can get an autism assessment online. Autism appointments are usually booked and carried out online for your convenience. 

I cater to individuals from all across the UK including areas such as Glasgow, Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs, Cumbernauld, Milngavie, Lenzie and Bearsden to name a few. 

A Few Words From My Clients

A Few Commonly Asked Questions

The acceptance of a private diagnosis is dependent on many factors and not just the robustness of the assessment and the experience of the assessor however it is unlikely for assessments to be rejected by any service, that includes both NHS and local authority.

If you are looking for the diagnosis to be accepted by any service, please discuss my credentials with them (as seen below) to ascertain if they will accept it before committing to an assessment. 

  • Clinical lead for 20 years within Scotland’s largest Adult Autism Team.

  • Connect to Autism has been commissioned by NHS health boards to undertake adult autism assessments.
  • Private autism assessments follow the same format as NHS assessments.

  • Author of SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) guidelines.

  • Member of the national autism steering group at the Scottish Government.

  • Led a national working group focused on increasing diagnostic competencies across the Scottish health sector for autism spectrum disorders.

  • Assessments are underpinned by the DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders) framework.

  • Former Scottish trainer for DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders).

  • Trained over 300 clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and paediatricians in recognising and diagnosing autism.

Please get in touch via the contact form to receive the most up-to-date waiting times.

I have assessed many people outside of the UK including but not limited to America, Canada, and Australia. Not residing in the UK does not prohibit you from getting an assessment. 

No, I can only diagnose ASD but in addition to the ASD full diagnostic assessment, an ADHD screening can also be completed if the individual requests it with the outcome indicating whether or not further diagnostic assessment for ADHD would be warranted.

The terms and conditions of health insurance policies vary greatly and you should check your cover for your individual policy.

Payment Plan Overview

  • Part 1 Fee: £300 – This must be paid before Part 1 begins.

  • Part 2 Fee: £1200 – This is split into two instalments:

    • First £600 – Due before the Part 2 assessment is completed (you can wait 3 months between part 1 and part 2).

    • Final £600 – Must be paid before the final report is released.

This structure gives you up to 3 months between Part 1 and Part 2 to manage payments.

Second opinion diagnostic assessments, in order to be robust, should be undertaken by two clinicians. Connect to Autism would be unable to help you with this request.

Ready to find out more?

Get in touch today to discover how I can help

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