FAQs
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.
We always suggest that if you are looking for the diagnosis to be accepted by any service, GP, MH services psychology etc, that you discuss our credentials with them and ascertain if they will accept it before you commit to an assessment. For this purpose, I have added below information about my experience.
I was the clinical lead for 20 years with Scotland’s largest Adult Autism Team Autism, my private assessments follow the same format as my NHS assessments.
I sat on the national steering group at the Scottish Government where I have 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) and 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.
What are Anne Marie's credentials?
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Clinical lead for 20 years with Scotland’s largest Adult Autism Team.
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Private autism assessments follow the same format as NHS assessments.
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Author of SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) guidelines.
Tutor for The University of South Wales Masters programme on Neurodiversity
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Member of the national autism steering group at the Scottish Government.
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Led a working group focused on increasing diagnostic competencies across the health sector for autism spectrum disorders.
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Assessments are underpinned by the DISCO (Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders) framework.
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Former Scottish trainer for DISCO until the license ended following Lorna Wing’s death.
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Trained over 300 clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and paediatricians in recognising and diagnosing autism.
What are Dr. Anne Greig's credentials?
- Over 25 years experience providing educational psychology services, assessing, and providing interventions to children and young people with autism
- Active member of an adult autistic team in Glasgow
- Strong publication list, some co-authored with Professor Mackay on themes of autism and mental health
- Delivered training and talks nationwide
- Held a post doctoral position in charge of research on attachment relationships and maternal depression at the University of East Anglia
- 7+ years experience as part of a team of experts in child development and impact of trauma and complex developmental trauma including providing expert training collaboration for those who work with children in Bethlehem, Palestine, who have adverse childhood experiences
Do you offer second opinion assessments?
Unfortunately, Connect to Autism is unable to offer second opinion assessments
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 we can only assess individuals aged 16+
What if I don't reside in the UK?
We have assessed many people outside of the UK including but not limited to America, Canada, and Australia. Not residing in the UK does not prohibit you from getting an assessment.
Can you assess for ADHD/ADD/Dyslexia?
No, we can only diagnose ASD but in addition to the ASD full diagnostic assessment, an ADHD screening can also be completed if the individual requests it with the outcome indicating whether or not further diagnostic assessment for ADHD would be warranted.
Do you offer face-to-face assessments?
No, all of our assessments are conducted over zoom.
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 allows them also to fully understand the full impact of ASD on your life.
Is Part 1 required in order to move forward with Part 2?
Yes, as this is always the starting point.
Can I take a break between Part 1 and Part 2?
Yes, you are not required to do Part 2 straight after Part 1.
We allow a maximum break of 3 months in-between.
How long does an autism assessment take?
Diagnostic assessment – Part 1 can take between 30 – 60 minutes
Diagnostic assessment – Part 2 can take between 2 hours – 2.5 hours
Clients are also required to dedicate some time to completing their early development questionnaire before their part 1 assessment.
What are the waiting times for an autism assessment in the UK?
Waiting times can vary significantly across the UK, from 12 months to 7 years.
Here at Connect To Autism, we attempt to keep our wait times to 4 -6 weeks for both part 1 and part 2.
Do I need a referral to get an assessment?
No, you do not require a referral to get assessed by Connect to Autism.
Does insurance cover autism assessments?
The terms and conditions of health insurance policies vary greatly and you should check your cover for your individual policy.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Payment Plan Overview
- Part 1 Fee: £300 – This must be paid before Part 1 begins.
- Part 2 Fee: £1200 – This is split into two instalments:
- First £600 – Due before the Part 2 assessment is completed (you can wait 3 months between part 1 and part 2).
- Final £600 – Must be paid before the final report is released.
- First £600 – Due before the Part 2 assessment is completed (you can wait 3 months between part 1 and part 2).
This structure gives you up to 3 months between Part 1 and Part 2 to manage payments.
BSc, RCSLT, ASILTIP
phd; msc ed; dipcbt; ma(hons); diped