Private assessment for ASD/ADD?

[Toffpops]

Hi,
My teenager is currently waiting for a CAMHS assessment for ASD/ADD-the waiting list seems very long (which I understand) and their mental health is declining due to severe anxiety and phobias. Has anyone had any experience with private diagnoses and CAMHS? Specifically, is this something CAMHS would recognise? The counsellor they are seeing has suggested if a positive diagnosis for both comes back, a drug called elvanse has shown really promising results, but needs to be prescribed through CAMHS. I’m worried if I go private, CAMHS wouldn’t recognise it and might even refuse to assess her or make her go back to the start of the referral process. If I leave it though, I’m worried about the damage to her MH that might happen.

Does anyone have any experience or advice?

I would speak to your CAMHS unit directly about this. I was told by ours that if DD was prescribed medication through a private assessment that they wouldn't question it or reassess her and we could get repeat prescriptions through CAMHS rather than having to pay a private company each month.

I would definitely check this with your own CAMHS unit though as I have heard some private assessments aren't recognised by the NHS, schools, LAs etc so it's probably something you would want CAMHS to confirm in writing/ by email, just in case it's challenged at a later date.

Definitely do your research before getting a private assessment, as some are accepted, and some aren't. My child has a private assessment booked, but they were highly recommended to me, and will also only see you if you already have an NHS referral. They will not accept self referrals.

Thanks both-I’m trying to ask someone at CAMHS but they keep passing me from one part to another, all saying they can’t answer! I’ll keep trying though