Adult Autism Assessment Derby, Conducted Online

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Private Autism (ASD) Assessments in Derby 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 during my time 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 Derby 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

BSc, RCSLT, ASILTIP

How it works

Derby is home to approximately 9,300 autistic adults

The Derby City Council estimates that Derby and Derbyshire are home to approximately 9,300 autistic adults, with a 1 % prevalence rate. These numbers are conservative estimates, and actual figures could be much higher due to underdiagnosis. Derbyshire Integrated Care All Age Autism Strategy 2023-2028, Derby City Council Social Care and Derby SENDIASS are leading the way in providing autism services in Derby. I hope to continue this forward progress by lending my 20+ years of clinical experience and professional services by offering autism diagnosis in Derby.

Autism diagnosis and assessments can be a great first step towards greater clarity and understanding about neurodiversity. If you suspect you struggle with autism or identify with clinically recognised autism traits, you may benefit from a professional assessment.

Individuals with autism process the world around them differently. While it’s considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010, autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can be managed with the right support. I recognise this and offer autism assessments rooted in compassion and empathy, ensuring that you or your loved one being assessed receives all the tools, knowledge and strategies they need to thrive.

I encourage family and carers of the individual being assessed to participate in the diagnostic process. This allows me to yield valuable information from the individual’s early life experiences, especially key developmental milestones, which help make comprehensive assessments. However, it’s important to note that these assessments can still be conducted for individuals without access to an informant from their early childhood.

Female autism is an area of special emphasis in my clinical practice. Traditional autism diagnostics have proven inadequate in addressing the concerns of undiagnosed autistic women. This, combined with gender stereotypes, nuances in female autism traits and clinical bias, has led to many women being misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. I seek to rectify this by offering inclusive autism assessments that make use of broader autism criteria and gender sensitive diagnostic tools.

My private assessments are offered online over a video call and can be accessed from the comfort of your home. If you’d like to know more, hop on for a FREE 15 consultation right away.

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

INITIAL TELEPHONE CONSULTATION FREE

This is where you get the opportunity to discuss aspects of the diagnostic journey. You can ask about the impact of masking, trauma or sensory hypersensitivities on the assessment and discuss the potential benefits of an adult assessment. You may also want to discuss the nature of the assessment report and confirm that the reports are accepted widely to ensure it will suit your purposes. Lastly you will have the opportunity to engage with Anne Marie Gallagher, the clinician who will conduct your assessment to ensure you feel at ease with her style of engaging.
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 initial telephone consultation times are suitable for you via the booking system, please enquire via the contact form for another available option
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 Derby

Autism assessments can be a great support tool if you’re looking to gain clarity about neurodiversity or if you identify with autistic traits and need help. Connect To Autism can help you on your autism journey by providing you with a professional autism diagnosis in Derby. This service is available to young adults with autism looking to learn about their condition or those on the spectrum looking to improve their quality of life. So if you’re aged 16 and over, we encourage you to take a proactive approach towards autism by getting a formal assessment done.

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. Her assessments are renowned for being highly accurate and professional, and are backed by client testimonials across the UK. She offers inclusive autism assessments that are gender sensitive, compassionate and empowering.

Anne Marie has worked with autistic adults from diverse backgrounds for over two decades, which has enriched her clinical experience. She brings this unique perspective to her autism assessments, which are grounded in evidence-based methods. You can rely on her autism services as they are backed by years of practical experience.

Adult autism assessments have long wait times across Derby and the wider UK. With Connect to Autism, autism diagnoses are both accessible and timely. A formal assessment is required to access specialised government-backed services, including disability benefits like PIP. With our autism assessment, you can access these services with ease and experience an improved quality of life. It can help you live, study and work in inclusive environments that are conducive to your growth, ensuring equal opportunities to succeed.

Ann Marie is deeply committed to providing neurodiverse individuals with the clarity and tools they need to thrive. Are you ready to take the next step? Explore the website to learn more about our autism diagnostic services in Derby and book your assessment today.

The Benefits of Having an Adult Autism Diagnosis in Derby

It can be exhausting and overwhelming to live a life that requires you to constantly mask, camouflage or perform, because you want to blend in. Maybe you have wondered if you have autism or identify with autistic traits but experience bouts of doubt or uncertainty. A formal autism assessment can help address this, as it helps you make sense of these struggles and validate your experiences. It can bring you clarity and self-understanding and build a narrative that’s rooted in compassion instead of self-blame or guilt.

This can set you free from societal expectations and help you embrace yourself more fully and live a life that’s more aligned with your needs. It can have a positive impact on your mental health as you’re more self-aware about your sensitivities, communication preferences and the root causes behind your burnout. This newfound awareness and understanding can shape your decision-making in key areas of your life.

Most importantly, an autism assessment can help you access government-backed 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

Individuals with autism looking to use government-backed support services to access workplace accommodations or educational concessions might benefit from a formal autism assessment. This is because a professional diagnosis acts a proof of neurodiversity, which can be a requirement for specialist services or to access autism support funds. In Derby, autistic adults can access tailored support programmes, counselling, occupational therapy and much more. These services can help you experience a more improved quality of life and ensure inclusive environments both at work and in education.

Improved Mental Health & Tailored Therapeutic Approach

Co-occurring conditions can be a fairly common experience for individuals with autism. This can sometimes be a combination of autism and mental health conditions. Clinicians like Anne Marie recognise this and take this into account in formal assessments. This helps individuals with autism understand their behavioural issues better, which can enable them to find the right mental health support. This can significantly boost their mental health outcomes, especially if they haven’t received appropriate support before.

Legal and Workplace Protections

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers in Derby are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to support employees with autism. These reasonable adjustments include flexible working hours, remote work options, specialised equipment, modified communication styles and other inclusive practices. A formal autism assessment can help identify specific needs that will enable these accommodations, ensuring they have an equitable and inclusive environment at work.

Educational Opportunities

Young autistic adults can benefit from an ASD assessment as it allows them to access educational concessions and accommodations that are specially tailored to their needs. Educational institutions in Derby are equipped to offer specialised support for students with autism. This may involve the use of personalised lesson plans, assistive technologies, additional time for exams and remote learning. This ensures young adults with autism learn in inclusive environments and receive equal opportunities to succeed at educational pursuits.

Enhanced Relationships

Autistic adults can struggle with relationships , professionally, personally and in social settings. This can be largely due to the way they process the world around them. This can sometimes isolate them and make relationships a source of strain, leading to mental health issues if not addressed properly. A formal autism assessment done with family, loved ones and partners can prove beneficial and insightful. It can help your loved ones understand your neurodiversity better and assist them in providing you with the appropriate support. This can set the right tone in all your relationships, putting them on a stronger footing and leading to 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 Derby?

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 Derby?

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 Derby?

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 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 Derby 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 Derby

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