ABA funding

[theDudesmummy]

People on here with far more experience and knowledge than me may think this a silly question, but has anyone heard of someone receiving funding for ABA through health route (ie from NHS GP commissioning) rather than through the Local Authority route? I just ask because (I work in adult mental health) our patients with severe enduring mnetal illness often receive support/funding in the community through either NHS, or through the LA, or sometimes a combination of both. Surely ASD being a medical diagnosis means that there is a potential for the treatment to be provided through the health rather than social service route? Or am I totally wrong here?

NHS are supposed to use evidence-based practice to treat patients. LA's don't have to. Therefore, developmental disabilities become the remit of LAs to treat. The 'treatment' is conveniently labelled 'special education' and hcps wash their hands of the responsibility for delivery or recommendations.

However, perhap there is mileage in some of the new plans for funding the needs of children with disabilities, but no-one can yet say what that will look like.

It is a fair and reasonable question you have posted. In the states, ABA funding is often provided on health insurance. This has never been challenged here though many are hoping it will be from a company that insures a uk family that funds in the US.

Well I am considering whether to approach my GP regarding this, and see what they say! (They will of course probably say AB...what?). Maybe a legal precedent to be made somewhere down the road?

Thedude, that would be great if you managed it, but you have to know that the institute of education, the NAS and birmingham University (where la's send their staff to learn about the Teachh approach and who train tribunal panels in autism) are advisors for and funded by the government on all things autism.

That doesn't mean it can't be done of course. And I believe that one day in the future it wil......

Hmm...well, it is something I will look into. I'm starting an ABA programme anyway, as you know, whoever finds it and whether it ever ets funded or not. Just thinking about options.
NICE are bringing out new autism treatment guidelines later this year. November I believe. May have a bearing?

Yes, and behavioural analysts are lobbying hard to gain NHS endorsement like SALT, OT etc. so who knows?