Is it worth going private for ASD assessment at this stage?

[elliejjtiny]

Ds2 has been showing autism symptoms since aged 1, now aged 16. Been told repeatedly that he couldn't be autistic because he had friends by various professionals over the years. He attempted suicide aged 12. Camhs said he was clearly autistic but they couldn't diagnose. Finally accepted onto the pathway aged 14. Waiting list about 2-2.5 years. Been waiting nearly 2 years. Now MIL has started saying we should be going private. I said no, not worth it at this stage but I just wanted to check I was right.

After waiting nearly 2 years on a 2-2.5yr waiting list I wouldn’t be going private now unless it was urgent e.g. for admission to an ASD specialist school ASAP.

Thank you. No, it's not urgent. He has his conditional offer at college. I just need to talk to the SEN department because they encourage students to talk to the SEN department themselves if they need help and Ds2 absolutely won't do that. Which college has said is fine, we just need to make sure they are aware.