Adult Autism Assessment Manchester, Conducted Online

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Private Autism (ASD) Assessments in Manchester 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester 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

Manchester is home to approximately 4000 adult autistic individuals

Manchester is home to approximately 4000 adult autistic individuals, with a 2.5 % prevalence rate. These numbers are conservative estimates as young adults with EHCP needs have seen a steady rise, which is at nearly 30%, closer to the national average of 32%.

The National Autism Strategy, Manchester City Council Services, Adult Social Care, the NHS Greater Manchester and the Autistic Society Greater Manchester Area (ASGMA) are leading the way in providing autism services. I hope to continue this forward progress by lending my 20+ years of clinical experience and professional services by offering autism diagnosis in Manchester.

Individuals with autism can have trouble articulating their needs and experience difficulties in processing social cues. Mental health is also an area of concern for autistic adults. This necessitates the need for a personalised approach to autism assessments, one that gives them a safe space to express themselves. I understand this and offer autism assessments that use a collaborative approach and are guided by compassion.

This helps me forge a more trusting bond with the individual being assessed. My diagnostic process uses a variety of tools like questionnaires, self-reports, and interviews with individuals and their family members, partners or carers.

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 and results 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 hold a special place in my clinical practice, having recognised the challenges they face due to clinical bias. This, combined with the nuances of female autistic traits, is the primary reason behind their underrepresentation in autism studies, often leading to a delayed diagnosis. I seek to rectify this by offering inclusive autism assessments that make use of gender-sensitive diagnostic tools.

This allows me to make assessments that go beyond demonstrable behaviours and are informed by the person’s perspective and life experiences. I take into account their challenges, abilities and areas of strength to offer a more personalised assessment experience.

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 Manchester

coping mechanism. If you feel you have trouble communicating well, work hard to appear normal and find it difficult to navigate social settings, you can benefit from an autism assessment. This is because many of these behaviours often mirror autistic traits commonly identified by clinicians.

If you’re aged 16 and over, Connect To Autism’s online autism assessments can be a stepping stone towards a transformative journey. This can bring you much-needed clarity and understanding about your neurodiversity. It can help you become more self-aware, validate your past struggles and make you feel seen and heard.

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 autism diagnoses and assessments are widely recognised for being thorough, accurate and respectful. She’s led by a strong work ethic and is committed to delivering high-quality autism services that empower individuals to live a fulfilling life.

Anne Marie has had the privilege of working with autistic individuals from varying backgrounds, which has enriched her clinical experience. She brings this unique perspective to her autism assessments, which are rooted in evidence-based methods. You can rely on her autism services as they are backed by testimonials and years of practical experience.

Autism assessments have long wait times across Manchester and the wider UK. With Connect to Autism, autism diagnoses are both accessible and timely. With online private autism assessments, individuals can easily access professional autism services from the comfort of their homes.

From workplace accommodations and educational concessions to tailored mental health support, a formal autism assessment can open the doors to an improved quality of life. These services can pave the way to inclusive environments both at work and in educational settings, helping you receive equal opportunities to succeed.

Connect To Autism’s comprehensive diagnostic report will also provide you with practical strategies and personalised recommendations to live a fulfilling life. 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 Manchester and book your assessment today.

The Benefits of Having an Adult Autism Diagnosis in Manchester

An autism assessment can help shed light on your lifelong struggles that were dismissed or overlooked and validate your past experiences personally and socially. While it may feel overwhelming, a formal assessment can be liberating and set you free from expectations and embrace your authentic self more fully. You’ll be better equipped to navigate your new reality, accept your unique strengths and abilities to live a life that’s more aligned with your preferences.

This can help you make informed decisions going forward in key areas of your life 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.

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

A formal autism assessment acts as proof of your neurodiversity and can open the door to a range of support services and resources that may have been previously inaccessible. In Manchester, autistic adults can access tailored support programmes, counselling, occupational therapy and speech and language therapies and much more. This also includes government-backed services and autism support funds to help you navigate your life as an autistic adult.

Improved Mental Health & Tailored Therapeutic Approach

Individuals with autism can have co-occurring conditions, such as autism and mental health issues. Clinicians like Anne Marie have prioritised mental health as part of their autism assessments to address this. With formal assessments, individuals with autism have a better chance at improved mental health outcomes, especially if they haven’t received appropriate support before.

Legal and Workplace Protections

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers in Manchester 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

Adults seeking further education or vocational training can benefit significantly from a professional ASD assessment. Educational institutions in Manchester are equipped to offer specialised support for students with autism, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed. This might also involve personalised lesson plans, the use of assistive technologies, or additional time for exams and assignments. It allows young adults with autism to learn in inclusive environments, which can be conducive to their growth.

Enhanced Relationships

Supportive relationships are essential for individuals with autism. This is because they struggle with communication and process social cues differently, which sometimes isolates them. This can strain their mental and emotional health, proving detrimental in the long term. However, with a formal autism assessment, family, friends, partners, and carers have a chance to educate themselves about your neurodiversity. This can deepen their understanding of your struggles and help them offer appropriate support when it matters the most. This can lead to stronger, more meaningful connections and 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester?

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 Manchester?

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 Manchester 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 Manchester

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