Private vs NHS ASD assessments?

[HitTheRoadJackAndDontYouComeBack]

Due to very long waiting lists in our area we have managed to secure a private ASD assessment for DC.

I've been doing some reading and I'm now worried that to all intents and purposes, a private assessment pretty much automatically means a positive diagnosis. The reason being that it's less impartial as you pay for it.

We are totally accepting, of course, of the possibility of a positive diagnosis. But equally we want to ensure that if we receive a positive diagnosis it is based on a robust, impartial criteria.

Anyone got any words to help put my mind at rest before we commit to the fee?

I was diagnosed privately (as an adult) and it definitely wasn't an automatic diagnosis. I had a full assessment that followed NICE guidelines. The psychologist that diagnosed me said that plenty of private clients do not get a diagnosis, as they don't meet the criteria.

I think it's a bit of a myth on some Mumsnet boards that if people pay for an assessment, then it will always lead to a diagnosis. My private assessment and report was far more detailed and thorough than Ds's NHS one. And my GP added it to my NHS records without any question.

@Punxsutawney that's great, thanks so much.

We will embrace a diagnosis or no diagnosis! But just want to make sure it's an accurate one.

This is just something some very ableist people trot out. I could name 10 posters on mumsnet that are very vocal spreading this rubbish.

My teenage daughter has been assessed and diagnosed privately. The criteria is thorough and the same for NHS and private.

Don’t believe the ableist, ignorant posters that seem to have very little knowledge or experience.

We have had a private diagnosis for our very youngest child, we chose someone who had years of experience, including a large chunk working for CAMHS. Dr would not have seen the child until the cut-off of 6Y old, despite our pleas, would not have seen us without the having permission to speak to the school and the rest of the process was as per NHS, so it is not challengeable should we decide to apply for EHCP. We got a comprehensive detailed report stating the severity of the ADHD and including some grading on the ODD.
Fast forward 6 Months we have now had the NHS appointment, very similar process but the report in terms of details/severity is not as thorough, ODD was not looked at, at all and the time allocated for our appointment was shorter by 30 minutes, generally less ground was covered. Obviously, I cannot speak for all private practitioners, but I don't think it is in anyone's interest to just give a diagnosis that is not backed up and correct. All doctors hold a license, insurance and a reputation, lots of trouble would come out to those who give willfully incorrect diagnosis.
When you think about it, those private services are costly, people who go down that route, are likely to have given some serious thoughts to it. It's a slightly different thing to go to your GP and ask for a referral, that won't cost you any money down the line. just our experience anyway ! good luck and stay strong