How do I get a private ASD assessment

[SharonEllis]

My child has been having a lot of difficulties and after a couple of years navigating the NHS I feel we have exhausted the possibilities of getting her assessed through the NHS as waiting lists are so long (up to 4 years). She sits A levels next year. Has anyone had a private assessment? Speaking to one doctor after filling in one of many referral forms the doctor said she showed traits of autism and dyspraxia, as well as having anxiety.

I don't know where you are in the UK but have a look at the Lorna Wing Centre. They take private and NHS patients I believe and are good at diagnosing girls/women.

I looked into them for a family member a couple of years ago. I think I was quoted around £2,000/£2,500 for the assessment with a 6 to 8 month wait. This may well have changed though, given how long the NHS waitlists are.

I'm pretty sure you can self-refer but I imagine they may want to talk to any professionals working with DD and probably school.

@TooToomanyminifigs thanks. That seems a long wait when you've paid that much! I will look into it.

I think everywhere is just overwhelmed with requests. The autism assessment process is quite complex and usually involves two sometimes three professionals. I don't think they can do more than two assessments a day. I think that's also true in the NHS, hence the long wait times.

I think you can get lucky and get a cancellation appointment.

It may be that if they can't help you, they might be able to recommend somewhere else/nearer?

Some private providers require a GP referral, but some don’t. If they don’t you can approach them directly. The validity of an assessment is less likely to be questioned if you use someone who follows the NICE guidelines &/or works/worked for the NHS.

Is the sixth form providing support? Support is based on needs, not diagnosis, so they should be providing support now and a diagnosis won’t automatically result in more support.

Thanks, that's helpful. That's not my understanding though about support. There is some support, based on need and the school has been supportive and provided some counselling earlier in the year. However some things do require a diagnosis, particularly provisions for exams.

The vast, vast majority of support is based on needs. Unless it is an independent school sixth form, they must make their best endeavours to meet a pupil’s SEN as per section 66 of the Children and Families Act 2014. This applies whether there is a diagnosis or not. The school must also make reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010. This also does not require a diagnosis.

There is a minority of provision, e.g. some autism specialist schools/colleges and the autism specialist teaching service in some LAs that requires a diagnosis, but it really is the minority of provision.

Whoever has told you a diagnosis is required for access arrangements has given you incorrect information. A diagnosis isn’t required. And a diagnosis alone doesn’t qualify someone for access arrangements either. Lots of DC without a formal diagnosis receive access arrangements every year.

Thanks. Can I ask what you mean by access arrangements? I'm talking about things like sitting her a levels in a smaller room which school tokd me is down to the exam board and they require a diagnosis.

Access arrangements is the term for adjustments for exams. That can include alternative rooming arrangements/separate invigilation where necessary.

Alternative rooming arrangements/separate invigilation is a centre decision. They do not have the apply for it like they do for some other access arrangements.

The candidate’s disability must be established within the centre and it needs to be a substantial and long term impairment that causes an adverse effect on examination. It must also be the candidate’s normal way of working. Low level anxiety/nervousness and worry about exams isn’t enough for alternative rooming arrangements/separate invigilation. But a diagnosis isn’t essential. Some DC in alternative rooms won’t have a diagnosis.

This from the JCQ explains more.

Appreciate that. We are not talking about a bit of exam anxiety here but long term problems. I need to be better equipped when talking to people as we have been passed round the houses by school & various agencies. She is now being referred by children's mental health in our area but now the question is how long it will take and, as you suggest, what things are linked to a diagnosis and what things aren't. Thanks for your help.

If you want to learn more about the SEN system, start by reading IPSEA and SOSSEN’s websites and the SENCOP. I wasn’t trying to imply DD only had a bit of exam anxiety; I was explaining JCQ’s access arrangement guidance.