Looking for NICE approved private assessments for ASD in toddlers accepted by NHS and Council

[Moong]

Hi,
I have a toddler who is 2.3 years old and is showing signs for ASD. Our health visitor has referred our toddler for an assessment by a Pediatrician and also for Speech and Language Therapy. We were then told that the waiting time for the Pediatrician is more than 18 weeks and the waiting time for SALT is more than 26 weeks. Hearing this I was really disappointed.

Given our toddlers condition is not improving in addition to the long waiting time, my partner and I have been thinking of going private for the assessment and SALT, but we are worried if going private would be the right choice given in the long run we will have to apply for EHCP and whether assessments made by private will be acknowledged by the NHS and the local council.

Thus, can anyone recommend what kind of private assessments will be accepted by the NHS and the Local Council? What we need to look out for while going private? I live in Brighton and would not mind recommendation of Therapists whose assessments are accepted by NHS and the council in and around Brighton.

We are really worried for our little one and would love the help.

Thank You!

LAs can’t legally have a blanket policy of refusing to accept independent assessments and diagnoses just because they are independent.

EHCPs are based on need, rather than diagnosis. You can request an EHCNA yourself now, you don’t have to wait.

If you are thinking of an independent SALT assessment and plan to request an EHCNA you should ensure they write tribunal standard reports. Helen Pearson is local to you and excellent.