Private ASD assessment North London

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Hi all,

Year 3 DC is 2 years in to a 3.5 year wait list. The wait was 2 years when we first applied but apparently the lists are growing and growing and the goal post just keeps moving. They’re really struggling and whilst school and CAMHS have offered some support I’m keen for diagnosis to 1) be able to back up the support needed and 2) DC knows they are different and are asking on a weekly basis if they’re on the spectrum (having soaked up every single piece of information given during school’s neurodiversity week).

I’ve had a look online but it’s a minefield as to reputable clinics. Anyone have any recommendations? Money is tight but we will try make this work

You could look at The London Autism Assessment Practice and Dr Maite Ferrin.

However, support in schools is based on needs, not diagnosis. A diagnosis alone won’t result in additional support.

Thanks @StrivingForSleep will look them up.
My child masks quite a lot at school and goes under the radar and because they’re so ‘good’ at school it’s difficult getting them to offer the support needed (eg knowing the daily complaints of illness are actually anxiety related and not real, physical symptoms). I know a diagnosis won’t change this but might help them better understand my child or at least a new school should we move. Hope that makes sense

I would request a meeting with the SENCO. The school should still be providing support even if DC masks.

I meet with the SENDCO regularly and we set targets but I don’t feel my child is fully supported. They made a friend- social target exceeded. As if they’re suddenly fixed and no longer have social issues.
I feel part of the problem is compared to the children in their class and the school they just aren’t ’SEN enough’ to make the radar. I KNOW how hard it is for schools right now, especially underfunded mainstream who are bursting at the seams with the pressure, I really get it. But it’s MY child who is suffering in this scenario because they aren’t NT enough to be able to just crack on but not ND enough to get the support they deserve. They’re slipping through the cracks. I know a diagnosis isn’t going to change this, but my child is asking for answers and I hope might bring them some peace internally. But then also gives me a starting point when looking for a more supportive setting

Other pupils’ needs are irrelevant to whether the school should be making their best endeavours to meet DC’s SEN. If DC needs more support than the school can provide, have you thought about requesting an EHCNA? I am not saying don’t pursue a diagnosis. I am saying support in schools is based on needs and you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis before pursuing further support.

I’ve looked at EHCNA but I don’t think my child would qualify. I work in a school and see the needs of those with EHCPs and those who deserve them but don’t meet the threshold and I just don’t see that my DC would qualify. That’s not to say they don’t struggle, they just won’t meet the threshold especially as they aren’t struggling academically. We feel just in a very middle ground. I appreciate your replies though, thank you

Unfortunately OP I doubt anything much will change even with a diagnosis. Nothing changed for DS when he was diagnosed at 9/10. School didn't do anything that was recommended. At secondary school it took 5 years for me to get him sat at the front of the class because he can't filter out distractions. I wouldn't pin your hopes too highly on a diagnosis changing anything (although I think having a diagnosis is a good and important thing in general).

From what you have posted here, DD meets the threshold for an EHCNA. You may have to appeal, lots do, but the threshold for a needs assessment is relatively low. Has or may have SEN and may require special educational provision to be made via an EHCP.

You can get EHCPs for academically able DC. It is a myth that you can’t. You can also get EHCPs if the school could do more, but won’t. Personally, I wouldn’t base a decision on other DC at school. Sadly, DC whose parents know the system get better support. And it isn’t uncommon for schools to incorrectly tell parents their DC doesn’t need or won’t get an EHCP, but the parents go on to successfully apply themselves.

Thank you both, just having people who gets it makes me feel a little less alone. DH is overwhelmed by it and becomes mute so doesn’t help.
I’m afraid @Spring025 you might be right that it won’t change much at all. But I think the peace of mind DC will get having the certainty of it rather than we think you are but it isn’t confirmed could help them settle a little better.
I certainly believe @StrivingForSleep that those who know the system get the best from it, I see this on a daily basis. I thought I knew the system but seems not as I was made to believe those academically able would never get an EHCP nor if the school claims they can meet the needs but are not. Thank you

I have three academically able DC with EHCPs. I have also supported other parents to get EHCPs for their academically able DC. EHCPs are about far more than academic ability.

You may have to appeal, but it is definitely possible to get an EHCP even if the school claim they can meet DC’s needs. This actually isn’t uncommon at all.

Have you considered if DH may be autistic? Not uncommon for parents to be diagnosed following the child being assessed.