Adult Autism Assessment Leeds, Conducted Online

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Private Autism (ASD) Assessments in Leeds 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 Leeds, 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 Leeds 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

Leeds is home to approximately 6000 autistic adults

Leeds is home to approximately 6000 autistic adults, with a 1.1 % prevalence rate. These numbers are conservative estimates as the Leeds Autism Diagnostic Service (LADS) has witnessed a significant rise in autism referrals, with over 32% receiving a diagnosis as of 2016.

The Leeds City Council & NHS West Yorkshire ICB Services, The Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice Support Service (SEND IASS), and LADS are leading the way in providing autism services. I hope to continue this forward progress by lending my 20+ years of clinical expertise to offer autism diagnosis in Leeds.

Autistic adults may have struggled with being misunderstood due to communication difficulties or have experienced relational challenges. They process the world around them differently from their non-neurodivergent peers, making it difficult for them to connect with people in social settings. They’re known to use coping strategies such as masking or camouflaging to hide their autistic traits to blend in. This can prove exhausting as they have to constantly put up a facade that conforms to societal standards.

Using these behaviours can provide individuals with autism with temporary relief but prove detrimental in the long run, especially when it comes to their mental health. This necessitates the need for a personalised approach to autism diagnosis and assessments, to ensure they have a safe space to share and acknowledge their struggles.

I recognise the need for sensitivity in diagnostics and offer assessments rooted in compassion and empathy. My diagnostic process uses a variety of tools, like questionnaires, self-reports, and interviews with the individual being assessed. I also encourage family members, partners or carers to accompany the individuals on such assessments.

This helps me uncover information from the early development stages of the individual, which is vital for autism 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.

My clinical practice also recognises the struggles of autistic women. Undiagnosed autistic women have been dismissed, overlooked, and misdiagnosed for years due to clinical bias. Their autistic traits vary significantly from men and require a more nuanced approach. I seek to rectify this by offering inclusive autism assessments that make use of gender-sensitive diagnostic tools. My assessments go beyond demonstrable behaviours and are informed by the individual’s personal experiences and emotions.

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 Leeds

Do you feel overwhelmed, have difficulty articulating your thoughts and emotions, experience burnout or tend to internalise your struggles to present an outward appearance of normalcy? While these may seem like normal coping mechanisms, they are also traits clinicians identify with autism.

If you’re aged 16 and over, Connect To Autism’s online autism assessments can be helpful and put you at ease by acknowledging these traits. A professional assessment can bring you much-needed clarity and understanding about autism. This can help validate your past struggles, make you feel seen and heard and make sense of your communication styles, coping mechanisms and sensory sensitivities.

Led by Anne Marie Gallagher, an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with over 25 years of clinical expertise, Connect To Autism offers formal autism assessments. Her assessment services are widely recognised for being thorough, accurate, professional and respectful. Anne Marie has worked with several individuals with autism over her long-spanning career, who have come from diverse backgrounds.

This has greatly enriched her clinical experience, which she brings to her autism assessments. She’s driven by a strong work ethic and practical evidence-based methods that help her autism assessments be holistic and empowering.

Autism assessments have long wait times across Leeds and the wider UK. With Connect to Autism’s private autism diagnoses, you can access professional assessment services from the comfort of your home. A formal assessment is proof of neurodiversity and enables you to access government-backed support services with ease. These services can pave the way to a better quality of life.

Connect To Autism’s comprehensive autism assessment report provides you with practical strategies and personalised recommendations to live a fulfilling life. This can help you plan your life in a way that’s more aligned with your needs and requirements across different areas of your life, including your work and education.

We’re deeply committed to providing neurodiverse individuals with the clarity and tools they need to thrive.

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

The Benefits of Having an Adult Autism Diagnosis in Leeds

Living with autism doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or debilitating. With the right support, you can navigate your life with greater confidence. Today, across Leeds and the wider UK, there’s a host of support services available to you. These include both government-backed services and third-party providers that work actively to provide autism related services to improve your quality of life.

A formal assessment can act as proof of your neurodiversity and help you access these services with ease, especially where it may be a mandatory requirement. This can enable legal protections, workplace accommodations and educational concessions, giving you access to equal opportunities and even support disability benefits such as PIP.

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

Autistic individuals can often feel isolated and excluded due to their struggles, which often strains their overall well-being. They need support services and inclusive environments to thrive. A professional autism diagnosis and assessment often acts as proof of autism and can open the door to a range of tailored services that may have been previously inaccessible. These include mental health support, occupational therapy, vocational training, self-advocacy resources and more.

Improved Mental Health & Tailored Therapeutic Approach

Private autism assessments often focus on providing insight into the mental and emotional state of an individual being assessed. This is in response to growing mental health concerns for those with autism, as they’re more prone to stress-related disorders or mental health issues. An autism diagnosis can play a vital role in significantly improving the mental health of autistic adults. It can help individuals access more personalised mental health services tailored to their needs, helping them deal with mental health issues more effectively.

Legal and Workplace Protections

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers in Leeds 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 autism assessment can help identify specific needs that will enable these accommodations.

Educational Opportunities

Young autistic adults seeking further education or vocational training can benefit significantly from a professional ASD assessment. Educational institutions in Leeds are equipped to offer specialised support for students with autism, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed. This may involve personalised lesson plans, additional time for exams and assignments and more. It allows young adults with autism to learn in inclusive environments, which can be conducive to their growth and career prospects.

Enhanced Relationships

Individuals with autism can struggle with relational difficulties, an area of life that impacts their emotional and mental well-being significantly. This can be addressed by gaining a deeper understanding of one’s neurodiversity. A formal autism assessment involving your family members and loved ones can also help them understand your challenges better. This can make your relationships stronger and more supportive, and make you feel seen and heard. As a result, you can navigate your personal, social and professional relationships with greater ease and confidence.

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 Leeds?

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 Leeds?

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 Leeds?

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 Leeds 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 Leeds

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