Adult Autism Assessment Cardiff, Conducted Online

START YOUR DIAGNOSTIC JOURNEY TODAY

Private Autism (ASD) Assessments in Cardiff 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 in Cardiff, 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 in Cardiff and 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

Cardiff is home to approximately 7000 autistic individuals

Cardiff is home to approximately 7000 autistic individuals and has a prevalence rate of 2%. However, this figure is estimated to be much higher with growing awareness and improved access to autism diagnostics. Between 2008 and 2016, there was an eight-fold increase in autism diagnoses in women in Wales, which is indicative of a gender gap and underrecognition of autism.

The Welsh Government Autism Strategic Action Plan, Integrated Autism Service (IAS), the Autism Code of Practice, along with charity organisations, are shaping the autism narrative in Cardiff. These are a step in the right direction and will help foster greater inclusion for those with autism. I hope to continue this forward progress by lending my 20+ years of clinical expertise and professional services by offering private autism assessments in Cardiff.

Autism assessments work best when they employ a collaborative and personalised approach, working closely with the individual being assessed. This helps me understand the individual’s perspective, emotions and struggles better, allowing me to uncover vital information that improves the efficacy of my diagnostic process. I use a variety of assessment techniques for this, such as questionnaires, self-reports, and interviews.

As a result, my autism assessments are comprehensive and holistic. Although interviews with family and carers are incredibly helpful, these assessments can also be carried out without access to an informant from their early childhood.

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 Cardiff

Autism assessments can be a great starting point for those seeking a better understanding of their neurodiversity. For adults aged 16 and over, this can offer a compassionate, insightful, yet reliable pathway to self-awareness. Led by Anne Marie Gallagher, an experienced speech and language therapist with over 25 years of clinical expertise, Connect To Autism offers professional autism assessments in Cardiff.

Anne Marie’s assessments are well-renowned for being thorough, respectful and highly professional. Her long-spanning career has allowed her to work with people from diverse backgrounds, which has enriched her professional practice. She is committed to delivering accurate and professional diagnoses that empower individuals with

Long wait times are an ongoing issue for Cardiff and Vale UHB & Wales. With Connect to Autism, autism diagnoses in Cardiff are both accessible and timely. These assessments are carried out over a video call, where you can easily access professional autism diagnostic services from the comfort of your home.

Formal autism assessments offer a comprehensive report that often contains personalised recommendations and strategies to live a more fulfilling life. It can also help adults with autism access workplace and educational accommodations, develop stronger relationships, and find tailored support services in Cardiff and beyond.

You can trust Connect To Autism’s personalised autism assessments to provide you with all the insight and information needed to live a more empowered life. Take the first step towards empowerment by contacting Connect To Autism.

Explore the website to learn more about our autism diagnostic services and book your assessment today.

The Benefits of Having an Adult Autism Diagnosis in Cardiff

Private autism assessments come with several benefits and provide you with a clearer understanding of your neurodiversity, communication styles, sensory sensitivities and more. These insights can help you begin a transformative journey towards greater self-acceptance and self-awareness.

A formal ASD diagnosis can help validate your experiences and bring you relief, especially if you’ve struggled to understand your past struggles. This can guide you toward informed decision-making in key areas of your life, be it personal, social or those related to your employment.

Most importantly, an autism assessment can help you access critical support services and accommodations, which can enhance your everyday life.

Some other benefits of getting an autism diagnosis include:

Access to Support Services and Resources

Tailored support services can help an individual with autism navigate their educational and professional life better. It can also help them receive guidance and support in areas where it matters the most. This includes mental health, occupational therapies, speech and language therapies, etc. A formal assessment acts as proof of autism, which can help you access these services with ease. Connect To Autism’s formal autism assessments can enable access to these support services and offer valuable resources to improve your quality of life.

Improved Mental Health & Tailored Therapeutic Approach

Individuals with autism can struggle with mental health issues, especially if they have co-occurring conditions. This makes it an area of special concern for those with autism, and assessments often include helpful insight into an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. An autism diagnosis can help autistic adults access more personalised mental health services, tailored to their specific needs. This can help improve mental health outcomes considerably.

Legal and Workplace Protections

Individuals with autism can benefit from legal workplace protections to succeed in their employment and chosen career. With the Equality Act 2010, these protections also include reasonable adjustments and the use of assistive technologies and concessions such as flexible work hours or remote working, etc. A formal autism assessment can help identify specific needs that will enable these accommodations in a professional setting.

Educational Opportunities

Educational institutions in Cardiff are equipped to offer specialised support for students and young adults with autism, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed. These support services often involve personalised lesson plans, access to assistive technologies, or additional time for exams and assignments. With a professional autism diagnosis, young adults with autism can access these educational and vocational opportunities with ease and improve their chances of educational success.

Enhanced Relationships

Meaningful connections are always going to be a value addition in anyone’s life, but especially so for an individual with autism. This is because relationships are often a cause of strain for them, as not everyone can understand their difficulties. A formal autism assessment, when done with family and carers, can allow them to receive a deeper understanding of their neurodiversity and the struggles they face. This can help them offer appropriate support and empathy, leading to stronger relationships and a more supportive home environment.

A Few Commonly Asked Questions

What distinguishes a private autism assessment from public assessments?

A private autism assessment in Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

An adult autism diagnosis 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff?

Private autism diagnostic assessments 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff

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