Where to start with finding a private provider for a combined ASD and ADHD assessment?

[RoseandBubbles]

My DD is 14 and I've long since suspected that she maybe ND. I did raise the subject with her class teacher in Year 5, but the idea was promptly dismissed.
The years have past and there have been some issues, mostly around anxiety with timing e.g. worries about being late for school (we never were), UTIs due to worrying that using the toilet would make her late for lessons etc. We just did what we could to accommodate these issues and were just bumbling along until I got a call from the school regarding some friendship issues. The school referred DD for CBT and during my discussion with the school I mentioned that I felt she maybe ND, which they agreed. Her CBT practioner has also noted that she has autistic traits.
There's a three year waiting list for assessment in our area. I am aware of Right to Choose, but have been told anecdotally that we may not be able to go down this pathway due to a SH incident. I'm looking to go private, but I don’t know where to start. I want to choose the right provider for her, but it feels overwhelming when I start looking at it online. I had started looking at one company but when I mentioned their name to a friend was told they had an awful experience.

I have been told that the assessment process is somewhat bruising, so I want to get it right for DD. Do you have any advice about where to start?

What's a SH incident? With Right to Choose there will be a number of approved providers you can choose from.

The assessment process done properly isn't bruising.

Which area of the country are you in?

I would join a local facebook SEND page and ask for recommendation on there.

Thanks both.

@Motnight I meant selfharm.

@Dreichweather we're in the South East

Then I can’t help for that area but ask on facebook.

@RoseandBubbles I was also told by a friend that a certain diagnostic pathway was not appropriate for her DC (I think this was with an initial online assessment) because they had suicidal thoughts.

I can highly recommend the Oxford ADHD and Autism Centre, but I don’t know their policies with respect to self-harm issues and whether this impacts their assessment pathways.

Hi op
I started with the ones school (private) recommended.

They were all full so I googled and was prepared to drive a long way.

We live in the south and found someone in Surrey about an hour from us.

We did the long parental interview on zoom and took DS to the office for the face to face.

Nothing bruising about it. From the school recommendation to have him tested, to diagnosis, took 3 weeks. And our insurer paid.

https://www.carltonpsychology.co.uk/ASC_ADHD.html

We used this private practitioner. They were super.

I can second @TeaandHobnobsrecommendation of Oxford ADHD centre, they did my DD’s combined assessment a couple of years ago. Also agree with the PP’s suggestion of looking on Facebook for local groups supporting SEND or ND and asking for recommendations on there. There’s also The Autistic Girls Network Facebook group, it’s UK based.

Would highly recommend the Makewell clinic based in Milton Keynes - my son had his ADHD assessment there. Outstanding service.
https://wemakewell.co.uk/services/mental-health-services/

i m looking to use Right To Choose for my dd’s adhd assessment referral. However if the waiting list is too long i m prepared to pay for a private assessment. Do the EHCP and NHS accept private assessment outcomes?

Thank you for all of your suggestions. Lots to look through and think about.

Sorry to reignite an old post but @EltonJohnsSunglasses can I ask whether the Makewell diagnosis has been accepted by your GP and by the local authority?

I'm looking into private ASD assessments for DD but I am worried about then discovering that either Bucks LA or the GP won't consider the diagnosis to be valid if not done through the NHS.

Makewell is on my shortlist so I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.

@Notgoingtooutmyselftoday Diagnosis from Oxford ADHD centre has been accepted by Bucks, based on the example of those I know that have been there (and are on medication)

It’s probably best to ask someone locally who has advise of who they have used. Even if they have used the company under the NHS or RTC they still might offer private assessments (many do all three) and your daughter will then be seen quicker.

Some will assess online but if you can opt for one that is face to face, I think it’s better as they see more of what is going on. Good luck.