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OUR SERVICES

Private Autism Assessment Glasgow and Ayr

At The Dawn Practice, we provide neuroaffirmative, evidence-based autism assessments in line with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN 145), the recognised best practice for neurodevelopmental assessments within NHS Scotland. This ensures our assessments are consistent and robust across health, education, and workplace settings.

 
We use a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, meaning your experiences are understood from multiple professional perspectives. We also recognise that some individuals may have a broader neurodivergent profile, so we tailor assessments to individual needs, including combined assessments such as Learning Disability and Autism, or ADHD and Dyspraxia.

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What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people communicate, interact, and experience the world. Autistic people may process information, sensory input, and social situations differently.

 
Understanding what being autistic means is deeply personal. While diagnostic criteria provide a framework for assessment, autism presents uniquely in each person. Our neuroaffirmative approach recognises these differences as valuable variations rather than deficits.

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What Can I Expect at an Autism Assessment?

We work within a neuroaffirmative framework, valuing difference and avoiding deficit-based language. Our private assessments are a collaborative process, where we work with you to build insight into your experiences. These are typically led by a specialist team of neurodevelopmental practitioners, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and speech and language therapists.

 
Discussions take a holistic approach, so we will ask about lots of areas of life, including home, education, work, and relationships. Understanding that assessment can feel overwhelming, we provide a quiet, warm, and comfortable space. Please let us know if you have special requests, and we will do everything we can to accommodate a stress-free visit. Our team also includes expert clinicians experienced in recognising the often under-identified presentations of neurodivergence in women and girls.

Process

Our Process

Our private autism assessment process is carried out only by highly experienced clinicians, using gold-standard assessment tools to diagnose autism accurately. Whether you are seeking a diagnostic assessment for yourself, your child, or a young person, our experienced clinical team seeks to provide the right support for the individual throughout the process and beyond.

01.

A Warm Welcome

When you come through the doors of one of our Ayr or Glasgow clinics, you will be greeted by a friendly face, usually a member of our administration team. You will then meet a kind mental health professional and go to a private and comfortable room for your assessment.

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02.

Initial Screening

An initial assessment will give you a chance to discuss your developmental history, medical history, and everyday life experience. Where relevant, we may request school reports or information from family members to build a complete picture. We will provide initial feedback and discuss whether a complete assessment will be beneficial.

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03.

Autism Assessment

Using structured questionnaires and tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), your clinician will explore potential autistic characteristics, their history, and their impact. This diagnostic interview explores how autism traits affect your wellbeing, work, and daily life.

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04.

Assessment Outcome

At the end of the assessment, you will have a supportive feedback session, which will discuss the outcome of the assessment, whether it is an autism diagnosis or otherwise. You will receive a comprehensive report that provides clarity and understanding about your formal diagnosis, along with practical recommendations for treatment and appropriate support.

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05.

Post-Diagnostic Support

We offer ongoing support through follow-up appointments and can establish shared care agreements with NHS GPs where appropriate. If you are diagnosed with autism and wish to receive post-diagnostic support, our clinicians can work with you to provide personalised recommendations. Autism is a condition, not an illness, and there is no specific “autism medication”. However, medications may be prescribed to mitigate challenges associated with autism, such as sleep problems and anxiety.

A bearded man in a red plaid shirt listens to a woman during an assessment in a bright room with a plant.
Woman and young girl smile at each other in cozy room, with table of colorful blocks and art supplies.
A woman in a wheelchair talks to a man with papers in a comfortable, modern office setting.
A child arranges red and white blocks to match a booklet, as an adult takes notes on a clipboard.
Smile, business and people on tablet in office of planning, finance document and company growth. Staff, discussion and paperwork of online information, profit graph and investment report and feedback
A bearded man in a red plaid shirt listens to a woman during an assessment in a bright room with a plant.
Why Us

Experts in mental health & neurodevelopmental care

Whether you need an assessment, therapy, or ongoing support, we’re here to bring clarity. All care is evidence-based and delivered by fully qualified professionals.

We only use highly experienced, regulated clinicians.

Multiple pathways of support available, all in one place

Our approach is neuroaffirmative and inclusive.

Trusted by GPs, schools, charities and public services.

Collaborative, supportive care when you need it most.

Contact us

Postal Address

The Dawn Practice, 65 Bath St, Glasgow, G2 2BX

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    CUSTOMER STORIES

    Read why people love The Dawn Practice.

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    I contacted The Dawn Practice following a late ADHD diagnosis, seeking support to process the impact of living for decades with undiagnosed ADHD. I wanted help understanding how my brain works, addressing the trauma associated with years of being misunderstood and developing practical strategies to manage the challenges of everyday life as a neurodivergent person. From the very beginning, Laura provided a compassionate, supportive, and non-judgemental space where I felt truly heard. Through our sessions and the additional assessments I undertook, I have gained invaluable insight into how my mind works. This understanding has allowed me to reframe many past experiences with greater self-awareness and self-compassion. I particularly appreciated the open and flexible approach to therapy, which enabled me to set the pace and focus on the areas that mattered most to me. This personalised approach has helped me gain maximum benefit from the process and has had a genuinely positive impact on my wellbeing. I would highly recommend The Dawn Practice to anyone seeking support in understanding their neurodivergence, building self-compassion, and learning how to thrive in a world that is often designed for neurotypical minds.

    Brian P

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    Where do I start…absolutely first class treatment at The Dawn Practice. There are so many places out there and it can be so confusing. I highly recommend The Dawn Practice to anyone who may require help. Jennifer Robertson dealt with us from first interview until final report. Jennifer was incredibly knowledgeable and understood our concerns that we had with our son. The report was incredibly in depth and recommendations to help our son now and in future. Cannot recommend them enough. Thank you The Dawn Practice and Jennifer for being amazing with our son and for all your help. 

    Eilidh

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    We are incredibly grateful for the support to our daughter over the past year. One of the most helpful aspects of her treatment has been the way the clinician helped her understand OCD in a clear, age-appropriate, and non-frightening way. Learning to recognise OCD thoughts for what they are, and not treat them as facts, has been a huge step forward for her.

    The practical strategies the clnician introduced — particularly around managing intrusive thoughts, reducing reassurance-seeking, and gradually facing fears — have been invaluable. We’ve noticed a real increase in her confidence and resilience, and she is now much better able to tolerate uncertainty and anxiety without becoming overwhelmed.

    We also found the clinician’s calm, consistent approach extremely reassuring as a mum. The guidance the clinician provided to me on how to respond to OCD behaviours, without reinforcing them, has helped create a more supportive and consistent environment at home. This has made a noticeable difference to her progress.

    Overall, our daughter has gained tools and understanding that we feel will continue to support her well beyond the end of therapy. We are very thankful for the care, patience, and expertise the clinician showed throughout her treatment.

    Anonymous

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    We looked very carefully at several clinics before choosing this clinic to assess our son for Autism and ADHD. From the very first chat over the telephone before our appointment, to the final discussion the staff were fabulous. Vicki was so kind caring and professional and it was obvious that her knowledge of ASD/ADHD was second to none. Both the GP and school commented that the report was the best they had seen for this type of assessment. I can thank herself and Camilla for the support they gave to my son and ourselves and I would highly recommend this clinic for assessment.

    Lorna H.

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    “In my role providing Dr Brougham with clinical supervision, I’ve learnt that she has
    enormous experience of working with people with a wide range of types of neuro-
    divergence, including autism and intellectual disabilities.  Also, Dr Brougham is very
    compassionate and always practises in a neuro-affirmative manner.  In short, she
    leaves no stone unturned to ensure that her clients receive the best service
    possible.”

    Cliff Hawkins (Consultant Clinical Psychologist)

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    We met with Aileen (Occupational Therapist), who assessed our then 4-year-old girl Eilidh for Dyspraxia (DCD) and for a sensory profile. Following her diagnosis, Eilidh has been receiving support from Aileen for the last 18 months. Part of that process involved Aileen linking in with her school, which has been immensely helpful in supporting Eilidh in all areas of her life. As parents, we now feel that we have a better understanding of Eilidh’s Neurotype, and we have developed a toolkit which we can use to help her. Any suggestions that Aileen gives us are always clear and feel like achievable goals. Everyone in the clinic is always very warm and welcoming on arrival. We think it speaks volumes that Eilidh is always excited to attend and feels safe when visiting. Eilidh is now thriving, and the difference has been truly incredible. We asked Eilidh what she thought, and she said, “I like Aileen, she is kind and she helps me with my busy brain”. We highly recommend the clinic to other parents seeking support for their neurodivergent children.

    Kevin M (Parent of client)

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    I honestly cannot put into words how grateful I am for the care, support, and guidance I’ve received from this psychology practice. From the moment I walked in, I felt seen, heard, and valued. The environment is warm, welcoming, and professional — a true safe haven for anyone seeking help with their mental health.

    The clinician I’ve been working with has been nothing short of exceptional. Their compassion, insight, and deep understanding of human psychology have made an incredible difference in my life. They don’t just listen — they truly get it. Every session feels meaningful and purposeful. Whether we’re working through past trauma, navigating current stress, or building healthier patterns for the future, I always leave feeling lighter, more empowered, and more connected to myself.

    This experience has not only improved my mental health — it has completely transformed the way I see myself and the world around me. I’ve learned to manage anxiety in ways I never thought possible, found strength in vulnerability, and developed a more positive, resilient outlook on life.

    For anyone who may be struggling or just feeling stuck, I can’t recommend this practice highly enough. It’s not just therapy — it’s a journey back to yourself, with a truly gifted clinician by your side every step of the way.

    Thank you for helping me rediscover peace, purpose, and hope.

    Gio S (adult client)

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    I honestly don’t have the words for how much the Dawn Practice has helped my daughter. We have been working with Mireille Wallace who is the most amazing, compassionate, knowledgeable psychologist. She is an angel! Highly recommended.

    Fiona L (parent of client)

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    Highly recommend this company outstanding service and support.

    Lesley S

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    Do I need a GP referral for an autism assessment?

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    Though we can work alongside GPs for NHS shared care agreement arrangements, no GP referral is required for our private autism assessment service. You can self-refer or be referred by family members, schools, or other professionals.

    What will happen at my first autism appointment?

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    Your first appointment is a chance for us to get to know you and for you to have the space to express your experiences. In your first appointment, held at one of our mental health clinics in the West of Scotland, we’ll talk about your background, history, and the challenges or reasons that have brought you to us.

    How many autism sessions will I need?

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    The number of sessions varies from person to person and depends on your needs, goals, and the type of service you are accessing. For some, a few focused sessions may be enough, while others benefit from longer-term support.

    What autism assessment tools do you use?

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    We use gold-standard assessment tools, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), structured diagnostic interviews, and other evidence-based instruments appropriate to each person’s age and profile.

    Can you assess children and adults?

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    Yes, our clinical team has expertise in assessing both children and adults, including young people navigating adolescence.

    What if I’m also concerned about ADHD or other conditions?

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    We offer ADHD assessments as well as combined assessments, recognising that many autistic people have broader neurodivergent profiles.

    Which insurance firms do you work with?

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    Currently, we work with WPA, Cigna and Vitality. For all other providers, please do check with your insurance firm before getting in touch.

    Not sure where to start?

    Contact Us

    Regulated By

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    Every clinician is highly qualified, regulated and experienced. Many are leading consultants, professors or experts in their field.