What can an independent OT offer that an NHS can’t?

[FightingForAnEducation]

My mum has offered to pay for my DD to have an OT assessment as she has waited so long on the NHS wait lists.

My mum booked the appointment and payment is due soon but now my DD is getting a EHCP assessment, she has now got an NHS OT therapist who is going in to my DD’s class to see her and will write a report for the EHCP.

Should we cancel the independent one? It’s a lot of money but we will keep it if it is needed. Or should we wait and go back to the independent one if the EHCP is refused?

Outwith EHCPs an independent OT can provide longer sessions, more frequent sessions and work that isn’t commissioned on the NHS e.g. sensory OT. However, with an EHCP you can have provision in excess of what is typically available on the NHS written into section F, so it must be provided.

Personally, I would save the money for if you need to appeal the EHCP and then seek an independent Tribunal standard assessment if needs be.

@LightLilies Thankyou. What is sensory OT?

Sensory integration OT looks at helping people with their sensory differences. It isn’t provided on the NHS in all areas.

I had a private SALT report done via my tribunal and it’s was such a comprehensive report and basically defo in-depth .
we were offered a NHS but declined this , research showed my family that for our circumstances we needed a private one as the nhs failed her last time few years ago and found nothing . Which is not the case she has asd adhd sensory overload . Communication difficulties with a clinical significance. She has pica plus many off learning disabilities. So guess the choice is yours but private was worth it’s money for my family.
good look

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