About Anne Marie
Anne Marie Gallagher BSc, RCSLT, ASILTIP
Hello, I’m Anne Marie Gallagher,
a qualified Consultant Speech and Language Therapist with over 25 years of experience, specialising in the diagnostic assessment and support of autistic adults.
My career in the NHS included working across mental health and learning disability services, with a strong focus on autism. For more than 20 years, I led a large diagnostic team and collaborated with the Scottish Government at a strategic level to improve autism services nationally.
I’m proud to have co-authored SIGN 145, the national clinical guidelines for autism assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. I also worked with multiple NHS boards, delivering specialist training to over 150 clinicians across NHS Scotland in the use of DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders), one of the leading tools in adult autism assessment.
Now in private practice, I continue this work with a deep passion for helping autistic adults better understand their unique thinking styles and how they experience the world. I recognise the significant impact that a late diagnosis can have—and I’m here to support those ready to take that important step.
If you or someone you know may be autistic, I warmly invite you to get in touch to explore the possibility of an assessment.
Screening for ADHD is also included as part of the autism diagnostic process, based on my NHS experience working in teams that supported adults with both conditions.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions about my background or services offered here at Connect to Autism.
My Experience
Anne Marie was a member of the expert group who wrote the SIGN 145 guidelines, the national clinical guidelines for the assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for autism spectrum disorders.
She has trained and certified over 150 clinicians across NHS Scotland in the use of DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders), one of the leading tools for adult autism diagnosis.
She is also a tutor for The University of South Wales Masters programme on Neurodiversity.
As a consultant to several NHS boards, Anne Marie has conducted joint diagnostic assessments alongside local clinicians. This approach not only ensures accessible, locally delivered assessments but also supports hands-on learning—helping to build the skills and confidence of local teams to better support autistic adults.