Autism diagnosis in London?

[londonmumofteensandmore]

Hi. I have 4 kids (DS16,DD13,DD9,DD3.) I grew up in Scotland and DH and I had DS in Scotland. He is high support needs autistic, so he got diagnosed whilst we were still up there and he was very young, I don’t want to go all the way up to Edinburgh unless I have to (I think the practice has closed down anyway). I am also autistic and I think DD13 definitely is and DD9 might be. We live in wandsworth area, I don’t understand how to even make a GP appointment, I don’t know how to get my kids diagnosed…

I could afford one private diagnosis because I’ve heard waitlists are really long, but not two, and I think I have two autistic girls. Any advice on what to do and how on earth I can get these girls diagnosed. I’ve tried to research but stupid google AI is really useless (does anyone know how to turn it off??)

Check out Right to Choose via the NHS first before going private. Start by looking at the Facebook group Adult ADHD / Autism diagnosis - Right to choose support - (England) as there is lots of useful advice there.

Thank you! My friend has also told me to chat to their teachers because summer term parents’ evenings are coming up. I was going to talk to the teachers anyway but now I’ve been told to just directly say ‘I think my daughter is autistic, do you have any opinions on that, would you be able to write a referral if we need etc.’

Your post might be better in SEN.
If you are looking for NHS diagnosis it is based on where your GP is for referral. If you are registered with a GP just make an appointment and take the girls. Maybe write down what you are concerned about for them.

You can look on your local authority Local Offer for SEN. This should include the autism diagnostic pathway.

I’m assuming your daughters are in different schools? Parents evening isn’t the right time to discuss this. There won’t be enough time.
You need to make an appointment to speak to the SENCO in each school to discuss your concerns and take things from there.

Looks like there are 2 diagnostic services in your area. One for under 8 years old and one for over.
The SENCOs and GP will know
Below are some links to support and services. Might help with your son too

https://www.healthwatchwandsworth.co.uk/advice-and-information/2024-07-31/autism-support-and-resources

So sorry I gave the link to the Adult FB group, it should be Children ADHD/ Autism Diagnosis - Right to Choose Support - (England)

Thank you all for help! Have talked to SENCO at their schools and they are now carrying out some kind of procedure.