School not on board with assessment?

[Biscuitsgalore18]

Hello,
My 12 year old dd is on the waiting list for an austism assessment with the NHS, which is 3 years in my area.
Due to some ongoing issues with friendships, lots of crying episodes at school, panic attacks. I have decided to get a private assessment, so we know if it is/or isn't autism and can get suitable support in place.
I sent a school assessment form to her tutor, who has sent it back - direct to the assessment centre, so i haven't seen it - but they have come back to me saying that although all the information i submitted was indicative of ASD, that the school report does not support this and shows no concerns, they commented that the school feedback was very brief so they have no indication of how she manages in the classroom. So we cannot proceed with the assessment.
I feel a bit miffed! As i know the school struggle to support her at times, as i have had a number of meetings with them.
Has anyone else found this?

Have you asked the clinician if they can only proceed with positive school assessment forms?

What happens - as in your case if there are differences in opinion?
Teachers are not trained clinicians and further SEND training (esp for ASD) is not common. Any training would be for teaching not diagnostic.

Why would the school block further assessment? This would never happen for medical investigations. How does the school feel professionally competent to make these decisions?

All that should happen is the clinician does the various testing and arrives at their conclusion - taking into account (or not) the school feedback form. This should include a visit to school to observe lessons.

Paying for a private assessment does not ensure a diagnosis.
That would be professional incompetence or fraud.

I would be emailing both the clinician and school with these questions.

Hi, thank you for your reponse. The head of year and senco are now going to each fill in a report so that's good, to be honest its them that have dealt with most the the issues at school. However its school policy that we contact the tutor first.
The clinician has said they need information from the school as it 'backs up' any diagnosis. It is a bit frustrating, as she masks a lot at school and then will have meltdowns and isolate in her room at home.

Just had DD diagnosed privately (the joys of a desperate to please girl who masks) and they did have a fair discussion in the MDT as she masks so well in school, but scored highly on all other aspects of the ADOS, and gave her the diagnosis in the end.

Thankfully school accept that lots of her total rule following, being placid and smiley is anxiety driven and a desperation to please adults and took things on board regardless. The routines in the classroom really help her mask as well - she can drift along going with the crowd very well.

It sounds like you've resolved this. My DS's tutor wouldn't have a clue either. DS was diagnosed in primary despite his class teacher's objections, so I wouldn't be concerned.