Anyone used The Autism Service for assessment or have recommendations?

[Iamnotanugget]

We have been waiting for NHS assessment but with secondary school on the horizon we don't feel we can wait any longer. I have spoken to the LA who said they will accept a private diagnosis. I feel overwhelmed with choice. So, does anyone have any recommendations of who to go with, or not go with please? We're in the North West.

How old are they @Iamnotanugget?

9, about to start Y5

Have a look at Caudwell Children. It's fairly near to the M6 so getting there shouldn't be a problem. It's a new, purpose built building and they usually assess within 3 months and give you 12 months of support if he is diagnosed.

Thank you, that looks lovely and the 2 day assessment looks really in depth but we would have to self fund and £4700 is out of our price range

That's a shame. They have offered funded places in the past. It might be worth giving them a call to see who they recommend.

I have used the Autism Service.

It took about three months to diagnosis as they were oversubscribed at the time. There were in person meetings with my child (at their clinic and at my child's nursery) as well as a very thorough parent interview. There was also a follow up call to report diagnosis and answer questions. It was far more than what we were assigned for NHS diagnosis and the questions we were asked were much more thorough. Actually in the end the NHS even used their diagnosis rather than the NHS's own!

Thank you. It's such a lot of money and there's so much choice so I want to pick the right people to assess. It's great to hear that you had a good experience

Highly recommend Gesher Assessment Centre in Pinner/Elstree
www.gesherac.co.uk