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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

No second setting for a private autism assessment.

1 reply

Thatsnotmytaxcode · 21/10/2024 00:26

I am trying to arrange a private autism assessment for dd (14), general consensus from teachers and the doctor is that a diagnosis is likely. She doesn't mask very effectively and has had severe difficulties at school. We have been on the NHS waiting list a while but she is withdrawing more and more from life and I want to speed up the process in case we are missing something else going on. The problem is all the assessments require a second setting! My dd has completely withdrawn, she will not attend appointments, won't attend school (for over a year), won't see a tutor, won't attend any clubs, won't go anywhere noisy or busy. She barely goes out (not agrophobia, she was has been to the shops with me on a number of occasions for supplies for her current interest, but unless it is for something she specifically needs, she won't and doesn't seem to care or miss it.) She is actually very happy, she has a thriving online social life based around Minecraft and only becomes upset if she has to engage with things she doesn't want to do. I am trying to get her out to various activities but they tend to be ad hoc, she quickly burns out at anything regular. Does anyone know a private assessor that will assess her in her home or a written statement from a teacher at her prior school or similar?

OP posts:
EndlessLight · 21/10/2024 12:45

Not having a second setting shouldn’t prevent an autism assessment. Particularly if you have documentation from a school placement DD can’t attend. If you want someone to assess in the home, you are going to need to post where you live.

Having said that, the majority of support is based on needs rather than diagnosis.

Does DD have an EHCP? What support is the LA providing? Is DD under CAMHS - if DD can’t attend appointments they can do home visits/online/phone appointments? Has DD had an OT assessment?

Unless money is unlimited, IMO, you would be better focusing on securing an EHCP with appropriate therapeutic support via that. That will be more useful in ensuring DD gets the support she needs.

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