ADHD/ASD assessment - do I need a referral from the GP? And how to find a good private assessment?

[MsFogi]

Rookie question but I am going to get one of the DCs assessed for ADHD/ASD. We'll pay for this to be done privately given the current wait times. So, how do I get the ball rolling - do I need to get a GP referral?
Also, how to I work out who is a 'good' person to use (we are in SE London - happy to travel into London/around SE England)?

I guess you'd want to search for a child psychologist or psychiatrist who specialises in neurodevelopmental disorders.

I would contact great ormond st - they do private assessments I believe. Gold standard is multi disciplinary team including ADOS. Not an hcp but my kid has been dx (tho not at GOSH)

We are in similar position. I have been advised to choose someone who also works in the NHS, if you want the private diagnosis taken seriously, and want there to be a chance of your GP taking over prescribing once meds titrated to correct dose.

We have gone with Psychiatry UK and chosen someone who runs an NHS ADHD clinic for children.

Yes you need a referral.
And do your research.

I used the priory wellness centre in Oxford for my DD12 which is a multi disciplinary assessment team. The consultant has a really good reputation.