is going private a bad idea ?

[cheeryface]

camhs say we have to wait 9-12 months for an appointment. if we went private and ds2 was diagnosed with aspergers or whatever else it may be would it be just as valid ?
would he get the same help at school etc ?

im not sure what to do .

Probably.

We bought private SALT and sensory OT for DS (ASD) and it has been the best thing we could have done for him.

The SALT in particular had such a good reputation in the LEA that his input got us more provision via statement than we would have received (IMO) The Sensory OT has wrangled DS' school admirably also and they have listened to her far more than me!

Private psychologists are given as much credence as NHS, I would have thought.

it depends on the school tbh.

i know that sounds glib but it does.

some private schools are great. DS1 has several boys in his school who he recognises as having autistic tendencies ( because of his brother) and they are accepted. the school is filled with eccentric genius types so ASD symptoms are less obvious.

but some schools will run a bloody mile. or will have no support.

you can only look at schools and ask

We had independent EP and SALT reports done and then the LEA had to include them in my daughter's statement to give her the support and school she needed.

I'm unsure what the position would be using private reports to obtain a diagnosis and IMHO think you would probably have to go through CAMHS as well, although by this time you may have a clearer picture of any additional needs your child had.