Adult Autism Assessment Exeter, Conducted Online

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Private Autism (ASD) Assessments in Exeter 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 Exeter, 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 Exeter 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

Devon is home to approximately 7,500 individuals with autism

Devon is home to approximately 7500 individuals with autism and has a 1.1% prevalence rate, though actual figures are expected to be much higher. A study by the University of Exeter shows a 787% increase in autism diagnosis across the country in the last two decades, especially among adults and women.

The NHS Devon Integrated Care Board (ICB), Devon County Council, Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT), and local charities are the leading providers of autism services in Exeter. I hope to continue this forward progress by lending my 20+ years of professional services by offering autism diagnosis in Exeter.

Autism assessments require a nuanced and sensitive approach as individuals seeking clarity and understanding about neurodiversity are already battling anxiety, fatigue and communication difficulties. I recognise these challenges faced by undiagnosed autistic individuals and offer a diagnosis that’s rooted in compassion. This helps me put my clients at ease and makes working with them on a one-to-one basis pleasant and comfortable.

This collaborative approach works effectively, as it encourages individuals being assessed to share their experiences more openly, giving me a deeper understanding of their challenges. It also helps me uncover evidence spanning their lifetime and contributes to the efficacy of the diagnostic process. I use a variety of assessment techniques for this, such as questionnaires, self-reports, and interviews with the individual being assessed.

The early childhood development phase holds important clues that are helpful in autism assessments. I believe in gathering this information from individuals who’ve known the person during that period to yield valuable insight. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s early experiences, resulting in a more holistic assessment. However, it’s important to note that these assessments can still be conducted for individuals without access to an informant from their early childhood.

Women with autism are a special area of my clinical focus, as they’ve been overlooked due to gender gaps and stereotypes in autism diagnostics. This has caused many women with autism to go undiagnosed or have their concerns dismissed as stress or mental health issues. Today, modern diagnostic criteria are more inclusive of women. I use this proactively to offer undiagnosed women with autism a clear and reliable pathway that can help them begin a transformative journey towards greater self-acceptance.

Informed by the person’s perspective, diagnostic assessments and decision-making are not solely based on demonstrable behaviours. I make an autism diagnosis and assessment based on the individual’s thoughts, experiences and unique challenges, which allows for a more tailored therapeutic solution.

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 Exeter

An autism assessment can provide you with clarity and insight while offering a compassionate yet gentle approach to autism diagnostics. For those aged 16 and over, Connect To Autism’s private autism diagnosis in Exeter is a convenient, inclusive and accessible service that promises a highly personalised experience.

Connect To Autism is led by Anne Marie Gallagher, an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with over 25 years of clinical expertise. She ensures every autism assessment is thorough, respectful, and grounded in practical and evidence-based methods. Anne Marie’s long-spanning career has allowed her to work with autistic adults from diverse backgrounds, enriching her clinical experience. She combines this with her unwavering dedication to the inclusion of autistic adults to offer holistic assessments that empower individuals.

Long wait times for autism diagnosis and assessments are an ongoing issue within Exeter and the wider Devon County area. Connect To Autism’s private autism assessments can be an effective way to address this and provide timely autism assessments. These assessments are carried out online over a video call, where you can take advantage of the same high-quality service as an in-person appointment.

A formal autism assessment can help adults access workplace and educational accommodations, develop stronger relationships, and find tailored support services in Exeter and beyond. As part of this service, clients also receive a comprehensive report filled with practical strategies and personalised recommendations to live a fulfilling life.

Connect To Autism’s private autism assessments have been widely recognised for their professional, high-quality and accurate diagnosis. If you’re looking for a trusted provider of reliable, clinically backed autism assessments, reach out to Connect To Autism.

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

The Benefits of Having an Adult Autism Diagnosis in Exeter

An adult autism diagnosis and assessment is the first step towards living a more fulfilling and empowered life. This comes with several benefits that provide you with a clearer understanding of your unique traits and personality.

A formal ASD diagnosis can help validate your experiences and bring you relief, especially if you’ve struggled to understand your past challenges. This can help you make informed decisions going forward in key areas such as your relationships, employment, social life and more.

Most importantly, an autism assessment can help you access 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

Undiagnosed individuals with autism can struggle to receive adequate support, and the lack of inclusive environments at work or their place of study further strains their well-being. With a formal autism assessment, you can expect to have your concerns addressed more effectively through workplace accommodations or educational concessions. Since autism assessments also act as proof of your neurodiversity, you’ll also receive government-backed support services that may have been previously inaccessible. These services include counselling, financial support, mental health services and more.

Improved Mental Health & Tailored Therapeutic Approach

Mental health is a special area of concern for individuals with autism and is often factored in during autism assessments. A professional autism assessment can provide a clearer understanding of an individual’s specific areas of struggle, their strengths and abilities. This can help autistic adults access more personalised mental health services tailored to their needs, helping to address mental health conditions more effectively.

Legal and Workplace Protections

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers in Exeter are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to support employees with autism. These reasonable adjustments include accessible work environments, flexible working hours, specialised equipment, modified communication styles and other inclusive practices. A formal ASD assessment can help identify specific needs that will enable these accommodations and workplace protections.

Educational Opportunities

Education is a tool of empowerment and progress for autistic adults, and with appropriate support, they can achieve their true potential. An autism diagnosis and assessment can support this goal by helping them receive this support in the form of educational concessions. This may range from extra time for assignments and exams and access to assistive technologies to personalised lesson plans and more. It ensures young autistic adults have an inclusive learning environment, which gives them equal opportunity to study and excel at educational or vocational pursuits.

Enhanced Relationships

Relationships can be an area of challenge and much emotional distress for those with autism. This is largely due to their communication difficulties and differences in processing social cues. However, the best way to address this is to understand one’s neurodiversity better and to make loved ones aware of these struggles. With a formal autism assessment, you can educate yourself and your loved ones better, which can help them offer you better support as best as they can. This can lead to stronger, more meaningful connections and a more supportive home environment, which can boost your emotional well-being.

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 Exeter?

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 Exeter?

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 Exeter?

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 in Exeter 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 Exeter 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 Exeter

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