Recommendation for a specialist in ASD assessment in girls/ women based in UK (preferably London)

[How2parentNot]

Hello,

I'm posting both in this topic and in Parenting, as I'm unsure of which topic gets more traffic, and I'd like help/ information.

I have a 10 year old daughter, currently in year 5, in primary school in England.

I would like her to be assessed for ASD, she is adept at masking/camouflaging...and I would like the assessment to be scheduled and ideally completed within the next 2.5 months. I appreciate that this means I will need to arrange for her to be assessed privately.

I would be grateful for any recommendations of clinical psychologists that:

1. specialise in ASD assessment in young girls and women
2. Have a practice based in or near London
3. Works in a multidisciplinary team that can also manage the in school observation and other elements of the assessment
4. Will support/ assist with an EHCP (if one is deemed necessary/ appropiate).

Although our preference is for a clinician that is based in London, we can travel and stay over night if necessary somewhere else in the UK, the priority is finding a great practitioner that specialises in ASD assessments for girls.

Many thanks in advance for any advice, guidance and recommendations!

You could try the Lorna Wing.

The London autism assessment practice undertakes autism assessment and EHCP/SENDIST work so will be well placed assess, diagnosis if appropriate, and have their evidence support an EHCNA request should you need that. They don’t only specialise in girls and young women like the Lorna Wing, but their professionals are well aware of how some girls present differently and are well regarded.

However, I don’t know what their waiting lists are like though. Many private providers still have long waiting lists, especially those who also undertake EHCP/SENDIST work. Albeit not as long as NHS lists.

If you think an EHCP is necessary, you don’t need to wait for diagnosis. You can request an EHCNA yourself now using one of the model letters on IPSEA’s website.

Hi @BrightYellowTrain, thank you so much for this advice and information, it is very much appreciated. I will explore both options, thanks again 😊

We used a place called the Evolving Mind in Berkshire who were excellent. Good luck.