Psicon right to choose referral paused until 2027!

[Burntatbothends]

Hello, im looking for some advice. My ds has been on the waiting list for an autism assessment since April 2025. Today I've been told that the right to choose provider we are using haven't been awarded funding by the NHS this year and so the waiting list is paused until next year! With no guarantee i might add that they will get funding again in 2027.
I feel horribly mislead by the NHS and dont know what to do for the best now. I want my ds to have support if he needs it but if I go private the NHS may never agree to support with medication (if needed). What would others do?
He starts school this year and I was really hoping to know one way or another by then.
I am not interested in any financial support BTW, just learning support.

That is awful. I’m not sure this is possible but could the GP withdraw the referral and refer your DS somewhere else?

It might be worth talking to Caudwell Children to see if they can offer any advice.

If he’s starting school have you already applied for an ECHP yet? They’re based on need so you don’t have to wait for a diagnosis before applying

Thanks @TinyMouseTheatre I have emailed the GP so will see what they say. I don't know anything about ECHP's but I think his case can be referred to the council here for school planning, I've held off that for now as I want him to get his place at our catchment school.

I’m not sure about referring to the schedule or for planning. You might be better off asking in the SN Children Section about that.

I would definitely apply for the ECHP though. https://www.ipsea.org.uk/what-happens-in-an-ehc-needs-assessment This website is good as they have templates you can use.

Has the GO referred you to IScan? Has he been seen by an OT and by SaLT?

No, the only referral from the GP was for the assessment. We self referred to an organisation called portage which deals with support for pre-school age children. The assessed him and determined his needs weren't sufficient for what they offer, as its much more focused on delayed speech and serious developmental delay, which he doesn't have. I think adhd is the most likely issue as I have it myself, but they dont assess for that until 6 I've been told and hes only just 4.

Nursery want to refer him to the council body which is made up of GPs, portage, and teachers but I just want to wait until after the 15th when we find out about his school place.

It’s a shame about Portage it’s good though that the Nursery want to refer him, that does sound as though it’s your local version of iscan. Is there a reason that you want to wait until after you know about the School place?

Im probably being totally ridiculous but im just nervous that they'll find a reason not to place him in our catchment school. Our school seems really good for SEN and just felt like the right place for him. My DH is also reluctant to have him referred when we are so close to finding out about school. They only asked us about the referral about 2 weeks ago, so its not like we've put it off for ages.

Honestly I’d be amazed if they had that level of communication with one another.