Exceptional funding

[debs40]

Hi

I am trying to apply for a referral to a specialist autism centre for diagnosis for my 6 year old.

My GP is happy to do this but tells me we need to apply for exceptional funding from the PCT.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of this?

Thanks

Hi there. I have an 8 year old DS who was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder when he was 4.

I've not heard of exceptional funding from the PCT. My DS was diagnosed by a team of professionals working within the NHS.

Have you been referred / seen your comunity paedriatrician? This is normally the first step towards a diagnosis within the NHS.

There are a lot of lovely parents on the Special Needs children board, if you post on there someone may have come across this.

Hi

Thanks, yes we have been through the diagnostic pathway - community paed, SALT and now OT, however, the sticking point is CAMHS who undertake the ADOS etc. Their waiting lists are massive and informal as they are not specifically funded for ASD assessment.

Basically, the multi-displinary team is an informal arrangement although children are referred from other areas whose PCT pay for them to be assessed here.

This means there is a service, but there isn't.....it makes no sense, does children a disservice and is truly incompetent (the CAMHS part anyway)

That sounds very frustrating, and I know from experience what a difficult time this must be for you.

I'd be tempted to go privately if your finances permit, but be aware that the downside to any private diagnosis is that sometimes the SEN team in the education dept of your county council may refuse to accept it. So although it will probably give you peace of mind, it won't necessarily help you to get a statement of special educational needs.

I know that is the problem isn't it?!! I will keep that in mind while investigating this funding route. We are after diagnosis rather than treatment so I'm not sure whether the exceptional funding criteria are different on the two issues.