Worth paying for private OT reports for EHCP?

[SinkGirl]

My twins have just turned 3, both have ASD. Neither of them have seen an OT for over six months at which point one was sensory seeking very strongly (mainly mouthing, spinning, jumping) and the other they assessed as having no sensory needs. Since then he’s started flapping more, frequently covers his ears, waves his fingers in front of his face etc.

The reports for the EHCP have to be in by 10th October. There will be no updated OT report. I have enquired about private OT reports and there’s a local company who can do it, it’s going to cost me £600 and I want to make sure it’s a good idea.

Are OT reports likely to have much impact on things?
Will private reports be taken seriously?

We are seeing portage tomorrow so will ask their thoughts then. Would really appreciate any advice as I don’t know what to do.

I can't comment when it comes to getting an OT assessment, but I know when I queried getting a private assessment for potential asd by an ed psych, I was told the LA wouldn't use their diagnosis/report as, because it would be privately funded, the psych could say whatever we wanted them to. Absolute rubbish obviously. But it put me off paying for something that would only be discredited when it came to my daughter's echp. We live in Merseyside so it might differ to your council. Just wanted to share my experience.

My daughter got her echp through the help of various charities in the area who knew how to play the game. Sadly it typically comes down to key words and having an advocate. She was diagnosed aged 1 with a rare syndrome so having a diagnosis obviously went in her favour when it came to applying for the echp. But it still wasn't enough and the LA were reluctant to acknowledge that she needed any additional help.

Keep fighting. I've found the more you give them a hard time; the more likely they are to give you what you're asking for. Despite the fact that it should be a given these days and you shouldn't have to fight for your child's most basic needs to be met.

I'm new to the site but please feel free to message me if you need to know anything xx