Private ASD assessment

[splodge2001]

DD has been seen by various NHS psychologists over the years - initially to help with her obsessive counting. Her latest practitioner/s suggested she should have a referral for ASD assessment which we tried to access via the GP. To cut a long story short, GPs referrals are no longer accepted where we are in Camden. We have therefore asked for a referral from the school but were advised by our CAMHS psych team that the assessment would take forever and that we would do well to explore the private route. I have no experience in this and do not know what to expect. Just called a service called clinical partners and their assessment costs £2350!! Is this normal? The other thing is whether these private assessments are accepted as formal diagnoses? DDs school is a maintained secondary in Westminster.

Can anyone help?

Thanks

That sounds excessive. Have you thought about trying the Lorna Wing centre?

Thanks for that. Have sent them a message.

Hi OP, we are going down the private ASD assessment route for DD age 13, having reached crisis point - we cannot wait 6+ months for CAMHS. We have gone with psymlicity - got started within 2 days of my call to them and should have a completed assessment, report and (if any) diagnosis within 6 weeks. It is costing similar to what you were quoted by the other company. I figured it was money well spent if it means we know what we are dealing with and can get the help in place. Very best of luck to you during these stressful times x

splodge2001
Lorna Wing also diagnose for NHS referrals, so a private dx done by them will not be disputed by a local authority if it's used for EHCP etc.

MarmiteChocolate
I've never heard of that company so I looked at their website, psymplicity.com/camhs/autism-spectrum-disorder/ it says

Treatment for ASD should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Red flag 1 My comment - ASD is NOT a disease, there is no "treatment" there are several types of interventions that parents and schools can put into place depending on each individual child's needs that should be documented in any assessment reports, but it is not a form of "treatment."

Red Flag 2
"WILL MY CHILD NEED AUTISM MEDICATION?

My comment The short answer here is no they absolutely will not because there is no such thing as Autism Medication

"In some cases, successful ASD treatment can be administered without the need for medication. If your child is prescribed autism medication, this will be discussed with you as part of their bespoke treatment plan, and any allergies or existing conditions will be taken into consideration.

Red Flag 3 Autism medication is often prescribed for children who struggle with ASD symptoms such as:

Irritability
Aggression
Repetitive behaviour
Hyperactivity
Attention problems
Anxiety and depression
We firmly believe that the solution is never to rely on medication alone, which is why your child’s treatment plan will include a range of therapies, workshops, and coping mechanisms in addition to any necessary medication."

My comment - It looks as though this company is operating on the American view of Autism, i.e. they are telling you it is a disease that can be treated or cured so therefore they will try to medicate your child and implement a 'treatment programme' which will probably cost you a fortune, with the aim of making your child not appear to be autistic.

In the UK, the US view and "treatment" is very controversial, we operate on the basis that whilst no-one knows how autism occurs, it's possibly genetic, but there's agreement that if someone is autistic then they are born with it and it's a lifelong condition.
There are interventions and strategies available for schools and parents which can in time help kids with things they struggle with because of their autism, but nothing will remove their autism.

TL:DR The ADOS and ADI_R are standard tests for autism, so the actual assessment is probably okay but please do not be drawn in to their philosophy that autism should be "treated" in the way they advocate unless you are absolutely certain that is the best way forward for you and your child.

I used Recognition Health in Wimpole street London. I used them for ADHD but they do ASD also and there is an excellent Dr that specialises in girls with ASD and ADHD. It was half the price that you quoted and that included a follow up. My dd goes to state school and her dx is recognised by our school and LA and CAMHS

Dr. Maite Ferrin is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist.
recognitionhealth.com/our-services/mentalhealth/psychiatry/

I've never heard of Psymlicity either and agree with Blank Times there are a number of red flags there.

Autism is not a disease that requires "treatment" or "medication"; it is a neurological disorder and a lifelong disability.

I would go with the Lorna Wing centre. They are internationally recognised and have been going for years.

www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/diagnosticservices