Where to get private autism assessment for Dd12?

[Blinkingbatshit]

Hi all, I have thread running in chat and it was suggested I pop over her for some more ‘tailored’ advice. Dd12 is highly bright and capable and utterly friendless (plus obviously being bullied). She struggles as she likes to control everything and everyone, dominates conversations etc so I can understand why her peers don’t always want to be mates. I think it would be wise to get her assessed for autism. I have private insurance that I think will pay (& I will if it won’t) - where do I start to find a practitioner who will do this? I looked at the Lorna Wing Centres but they are miles(!) away - we’re more South Midlands / welsh borders way - I can travel to somewhere good (just ideally not an 8 hr round trip!) - any suggestions gratefully received!! Thanks 🙏

Hi. DD18 is currently in an assessment process for ASD. She is very "high functioning" (ie masks brilliantly but now has quite severe anxiety as a result) so I was very keen to find someone with experience in diagnosing girls. We are doing a private assessment through Dr Kate Davis, South London Psychology Partnership. It's done via zoom which works well for us. Both practitioners had previously worked with Lorna Wing. Waiting time approx 4 months.

It isn't cheap (£2200) but they screen via in-depth questionnaires first so hopefully won't proceed to the expensive process if they feel there aren't enough indications.

I haven't met them yet so can't actually recommend but I hope this helps.

I would also contact your GP and start the process through the NHS at the same time (but likely to be sloooow) as private assessments don't tend to be taken as seriously as NHS (I guess because they are paid for).

My DD 14 was recently assessed by autismoxford. All done via zoom as we are not in UK. I was really impressed with the care they took to make sure she was comfortable before the assessment, as they did quite a few chat sessions first to ensure she engaged. Similar process to PP but £1200. The assessment is NHS recognised I think.