Who do I go to get private screening / diagnosis for autism (for 18 year old daughter)?

[LimitIsUp]

Really can't be bothered with NHS gatekeeping and long waits and happy to pay for testing. Is there an organisation or good route forward for private diagnosis? I am not sure where to start or what the process is

Dd is on board with being tested. In fact she has suggested it

She has some but not all of the traits. The most debilitating of which is crippling social anxiety, selective mutism (and meltdowns).

Perhaps contact autism UK as the first step to finding services in your area?

Okay, thanks - I will start there

Alas, they seem to describe only the NHS route (even less timely during Covid times) on their website

Argh, sorry- I was hoping there's be a link to your regional group that would have information about local assessors.
Maybe ask in chat, because SN doesn't always get much traffic?

I'll do that, thanks

@LimitIsUp
Did you find this on their website?
www.autism.org.uk/directory
Add your postcode, I tried ours and most listed there are private.

Remember, no practitioners on that list are accredited or recommended by NAS, apart from the Lorna Wing Centre. Lorna Wing do diagnose for both NHS and private patients, so their diagnosis will be accepted by local authorities.

Also be aware that there's a huge difference between screening tests and diagnostic tests.
Many private places only offer a screening service which they charge quite a bit for which will point out that ASD 'likely' after their tests. (Lorna Wing also do these screening tests, do be careful that you know what you are getting if you book with them) You can find out the 'likelihood' of ASD easily for free online by doing the AQ test. NO screening test is diagnostic and screening tests will not be accepted as a diagnosis by anyone.

That is super helpful - thank you.

BlankTimes - I have sent an email to the Lorna Wing Centre to enquire about diagnosis. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction

Happy to be able to help a bit. I know LW is expensive, but it's supposed to be the 'Gold Standard' for assessing girls and women.

I just thought of your DD's age, if she is at Uni, or has been given a place, Student Support, can advise on diagnosis and a lot of other things like support and mentoring etc.
Each Uni has its own system and from reading posts on here over the years, it sounds as though some are better than others.
www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

Our daughter went to LornaWing in Norwich.
They were outstanding