Adult Autism Assessment Alloa, Conducted Online

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Private Autism (ASD) Assessments in Alloa for Adults (16+), Over Online Video Call

I’m Anne Marie Gallagher, a Speech and Language Therapist with a BSc, and a member of both RCSLT and ASILTIP. Based in the UK, I’ve spent over 25 years conducting professional adult autism assessments, including clinical interventions for autistic adults with the NHS.

Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated my efforts to supporting autistic adults by offering both mental health and peer-to-peer support.

In the past two decades, my clinical emphasis has centred on identifying adults with autism, with a special emphasis on women with autism. I provide private autism assessments throughout the UK.

Why Choose Connect To Autism?

Find out how you can start your diagnostic journey today!

For all enquiries and to arrange an autism Assessment over an online video call, contact Anne Marie by clicking below

Anne Marie Gallagher

ConsULTANT SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST
BSc, RCSLT, ASILTIP

Dr. Anne Greig

Specialist educational psychologist
phd; msc ed; dipcbt; ma(hons); diped

How it works

Scotland is home to approximately 44,000 autistic individuals.

Alloa, a town in Clackmannanshire, primarily works with the Scottish Strategy for Autism, which partners with other autism organisations to provide support to autistic individuals. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and it’s something I hope to continue pushing forward with my online autism assessments.

An autism assessment often involves a robust information-gathering process. These range from using structured interview tools such as Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) to direct observation and in-depth interviews with family, friends or carers.

This requires a nuanced, personalised approach to gain valuable insight such as development milestones, early life experiences and behavioural challenges. It helps me form a more holistic picture of the individual being assessed. I conduct initial screenings and use questionnaires, self-reports, and other diagnostic tools to help me develop comprehensive autism assessments.

While it’s helpful to have input from family members and carers of the individual being assessed, this is not a mandatory requirement. Assessments will still be thorough, taking into account factors beyond demonstrable behaviours, the individual’s personal experiences and views.

I also recognise the challenges and struggles faced by women with undiagnosed autism, who may camouflage the true extent of their difficulties. This requires a sensitive approach to address their specific concerns and challenges, which are typically overlooked due to gender biases in assessment criteria.

I believe in making autism assessments that are thorough, inclusive and personalised, to make an individual feel seen and heard, creating a safe place for them to express themselves. This allows me to offer a professional and accurate diagnosis, ensuring my expertise translates into helpful and practical strategies that help individuals have a better quality of life.

Autism Assessment Process

Step 1

Click here to send Anne Marie a message via the contact form

Step 2

This can either be a self-report or filled out by someone who was well-acquainted with you during your childhood.

Step 3

When evaluated, this questionnaire is highly dependable in revealing childhood information that will support the diagnostic process.

I would exercise caution in undertaking a private diagnostic assessment if it seems unlikely that the individual would meet the criteria for diagnosis.

In reviewing the questionnaire, consideration is given to the fact that behaviors indicative of ASD may not manifest noticeably until later in life. The early onset of masking and camouflaging difficulties, coupled with the potential influence of home circumstances on parental reporting, is taken into consideration.

Step 4

A telephone consultation is scheduled to provide feedback on the evaluation of the early developmental questionnaire and to determine whether there is adequate information to support the diagnostic process.

The appointment letter is sent, along with the invoice, and payment is required 7 days before the scheduled assessment date.

Step 5

The full diagnostic assessment is arranged to be conducted via Zoom.

The full assessment is completed within 4-6 hours. However the Zoom call part of the assessment is typically 2 – 2.5 hours.

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.

"Anne Marie provided an incredibly thorough, sensitive and insightful diagnostic assessment that has allowed me to feel incredibly understood. Her report represented me perfectly but comprehensively and I am very grateful for her extensive experience” Click HERE to find out how you can start your diagnostic journey"

Online Autism Assessments for Adults in Alloa

Connect To Autism offers professional autism diagnosis and assessments in Alloa, all of which are conducted online.

Neurodiverse conditions, such as autism, can feel overwhelming and become a source of stress if not managed properly. This service supports adults seeking clarity and understanding about their neurodiversity, offering a compassionate, efficient, and highly personalised approach to autism diagnostics.

Connect To Autism’s personalised and compassionate approach has garnered positive reviews across Alloa and the wider UK region for exceptional autism diagnosis and assessment services. It’s led by Anne Marie Gallagher, an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with over 25 years of clinical expertise.

Her assessments are widely recognised for being grounded, respectful and thorough and are based on clinically backed approaches. Anne Marie has had the privilege of working with individuals coming from varied backgrounds, enriching her own clinical experience. She’s committed to delivering a professional autism diagnosis and empowering individuals with autism so they can access the support they may need.

For many individuals, getting an autism diagnosis and assessment means long wait times, especially when going through the NHS. This can delay diagnosis, prolonging the individual’s struggle and postponing access to support services.

Connect To Autism’s private online assessments in Alloa are a viable alternative that you can access from the comfort of your home. These assessments are carried out online over video call and are a convenient way to receive a professional diagnosis and assessment with minimal hassle.

This can help you or your loved one with autism access support services with greater ease, simplifying work and educational obligations.

As a trusted provider of autism assessment services, Connect To Autism helps neurodiverse individuals access the support they need to live a more fulfilling life that’s aligned with their authentic selves.

Take the first step towards empowerment by contacting Connect To Autism. Learn more about how the autism diagnostic procedure works and book your assessment today.

The Benefits of Having an Adult Autism Diagnosis in Alloa

There are several tangible benefits of a formal autism diagnosis and assessment. For individuals in Alloa, a professional autism assessment can open the door to a wide range of support services which can be tailored to your specific needs.

However, the most helpful part of an autism assessment is that it gives you and your family a deeper and better understanding of your autism journey. This is particularly helpful if you’ve struggled to make sense of your experiences and challenges especially if they’ve had an impact on your mental health.

With a formal autism assessment, you can gain confidence in your strengths and abilities. This is especially helpful in aspects of your life, including employment, relationships, interests and more.

Some other benefits of getting an autism diagnosis include:

Access to Support Services and Resources

A private online autism assessment acts as proof of neurodiversity, which can be instrumental in giving you access to support services backed by the government and third-party autism organisations. From counselling and occupational therapy to vocational training and assistive technologies, these are provided to improve the lives of individuals with autism.

Improved Mental Health & Tailored Therapeutic Approach

Mental health is an area of specialised care for individuals with autism. A professional autism assessment can identify these issues and handle them with the sensitivity they deserve. This can help autistic individuals with co-occurring conditions access better support, receive timely and appropriate care, which can significantly improve mental health outcomes.

Legal and Workplace Protections

Alloa’s legal protections for the workplace are based on the Equality Act 2010, where employers are legally required to provide workplace concessions and accommodations to support adults with autism. Some of these include receiving flexible work shifts, assistive technologies, accommodating preferred communication styles, etc.

Educational Opportunities

Professional autism assessments can help individuals with autism understand their strengths and abilities better, often refining their vocational and educational focus. Additionally, this helps ensure that individuals with autism receive equal opportunity to succeed in educational goals. This is supported by personalised learning plans, receiving exam concessions and more.

Enhanced Relationships

Relationships can be a source of struggle and pain for neurodiverse individuals due to their communication difficulties and differences in perception. A private autism assessment can help family, carers and friends, gain a better understanding of the challenges neurodiverse individuals face. This, in turn, helps them provide empathy and support when it matters the most, improving relationship dynamics and creating a more supportive home environment.

A Few Commonly Asked Questions

What distinguishes a private autism assessment from public assessments?

A private autism assessment offers expedited services, personalised attention, and flexibility in scheduling. Unlike public assessments, private services often provide quicker results and a more tailored approach to adult autism evaluation.

What specific services are included in Adult Autism Diagnosis services in Alloa?

An adult autism diagnosis in Alloa involves comprehensive assessments, including interviews, observations, and standardised tests. These services are designed to evaluate social communication, behaviour, and other factors to provide a thorough understanding of an individual’s neurodevelopmental profile.

How does the process of autism diagnosis for adults differ from assessments for children?

Autism diagnosis for adults involves specialised assessments that consider the unique challenges and strengths of adults. The evaluation may include self-reporting, interviews, and observations to assess social communication, behaviour patterns, and potential co-occurring conditions.

What is involved in a UK Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment for adults in Alloa?

An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment includes a comprehensive evaluation conducted by qualified clinicians. This assessment examines various aspects of an individual’s behaviour, communication, and social interactions to determine the presence of autism spectrum disorder.

How confidential are private autism diagnostic assessments in Alloa?

Private autism diagnostic assessments in Alloa prioritise confidentiality. Only authorised professionals involved in the assessment process have access to the results, ensuring privacy and adherence to ethical standards.

Can individuals schedule an adult ASD assessment without a referral from a healthcare provider?

Yes, individuals can often schedule an adult ASD assessment without a referral. Private assessment services typically welcome self-referrals, providing a more accessible avenue for adults seeking an autism diagnosis.

Is your diagnosis accepted by the NHS and/or local authority?

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.

I have not had my assessments rejected by any service, including both the NHS and the local authority.

I always suggest that if you are looking for the diagnosis to be accepted by any service, GP, MH services, psychology, etc, that you discuss my credentials with them. This will help you ascertain if they will accept it before you commit to a professional autism assessment with me. For this purpose, I have provided additional information about my experience below.

I was the clinical lead for 20 years with Scotland’s largest Adult Autism Assessment Team. My private ASD assessments in Alloa follow the same format as my NHS assessments.

I am one of the authors of the SIGN guidelines. I’ve sat on the national steering group at the Scottish Government, having led a working group on increasing competencies across health to diagnose autism spectrum disorders.

My assessments are underpinned by the DISCO assessment (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders). I was the Scottish trainer for DISCO up until 4 years ago, when the license ceased after Lorna Wing’s death. I have trained 300+ clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and paediatricians to recognise and diagnose autism professionally.

What are your current waiting times?

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

Can you assess children?

No, unfortunately, I only assess individuals aged 16+

Can you diagnose ADHD?

No, I can only diagnose ASD. However, I’m happy to provide an ADHD screening as an additional assessment to a full ASD diagnostic assessment. This can also be done on an individual’s request, and the results will indicate whether or not further diagnostic assessment for ADHD would be warranted.

Is there the possibility of doing a face-to-face assessment instead of a telephone call/zoom?

Unfortunately, I do not offer face-to-face assessments.

Can my partner/parents/etc join the consultation/assessment?

Yes, if you are comfortable with them being there, then they are welcome to join. It is often helpful for them to attend, as it also allows them to fully understand the full impact of ASD on your life.

Book an Autism (ASD) Assessment in Alloa

Anne Marie can provide diagnostic autism assessments throughout Alloa, carried out over a video call using Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc.