Accepting Private Diagnosis

[deadwitchproject]

Probably a daft question but if you get a private diagnosis of asd for your child, will the Child Development Team be able to/have to accept it?

We have been told that it could take up to 4 years for a formal diagnosis for DT2 (he's 2 years old) but have been told "informally" by the Dev Paed and the OT that he's on the spectrum. He most definitely is but we can't wait 4 years to be officially told! DT1 has only just entered "the system" so will no doubt take even longer to be diagnosed.

We need to know now so are considering the eye wateringly expensive route of a private diagnosis. I'd really appreciate some advice on:

• will the Child Development Team be able to/have to accept it a private diagnosis?

• any recommendations of someone in London?

Thank you!

I used daphne keen and she is based in London and lots of parents on here have also used her. accepting the report can be a bit of a grey area but she does also work for the NHS so is highly respected. My dx has been accepted

thanks bjkmummy, I saw her website, she's clearly very good but sooo expensive, especially as I'll have to go through it twice. Ouch!

Can I just ask if anyone knows of any private consultants in the south west at all ? And what are people's opinions of seeking a private diagnosis? Is it worth it iuswim xxxxxxxx

Thanks Manish, I'll look into Denise Challis. So glad it worked out for you, 45 weeks is a disgrace!

Alfiedoggy I've come to the conclusion that a private diagnosis is essential in order for my boys to access the services they're entitled to within a timescale that those services are most needed. I know early intervention is key but what's the point if the diagnosis is so late? Hopefully someone will give you a recommendation soon.

Thank u dead witch xxx I guess I'm trying to make sure that the cost of the assessment isn't better spent on private ot etc etc ...as I don't know how it will affect school funding for him if at all .... its all so blimmem expensive isn't it ; ((((! Xxx

My DS has a private DX (they would not put his DX in writing in the LA report). It's meant he's on the SEN register at school and gets DLA which pays for the private OT. He wouldn't have got NHS OT because dyspraxia doesn't meet the criteria where I live. So totally worth it for us.

Just to update for anyone who might find this useful: we saw Dr Stefan Studnik at his private clinic (he also works as an NHS Consultant Paediatrician at St Mary's Paddington) and he diagnosed both boys with autism.

We opted to see a private SALT at the same time who specialises in autism. The appointment was very thorough, as was the report later produced, and we were very pleased to have found Dr Studnik. He has a very calm, gentle manner and this worked well for us. His website is: here

4 years?

How is that ok? I'm waiting for the next political canvasser to knock on my door just so I can make them answer some questions about sn budgets.

Glad you got a sensible and thorough examination for your boys : )