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1st post - picking an assessment provider?

TheLastAncient

Hi there,

I’m new to the community so I’ll introduce myself. I am a 28 year old female, I’m really into video games and I love nature/animals (dogs are my favourite).

I fairly recently started seeing a new therapist who helped me to see that I have many autistic traits. I always new I was different and when I started researching autism it felt like something clicked.

So, I’m now beginning the journey of trying to get a diagnosis. I found the nhs adult assessment pathway very easy to get a referral (I know others have had different experiences of this). However, there is another approx 15 months of being on the waiting list before any assessment begins.

I looked at other options and have managed to secure 3rd party funding (through my employers insurance scheme) for a private assessment.

I never thought my employer would be able to fund this so would really recommend anyone struggling to access an assessment to ask their employer (if they’re comfortable doing so).

We have narrowed it down to 2 potential providers (both deal with nhs referrals and have the relevant qualifications/accreditations) and it will be for me to decide which to use. I hate making decisions so have drawn up a points-based spreadsheet to decide.

Current categories I’m using to compare the 2 providers are: waiting list/waiting time for an assessment, responsiveness to queries, experience in adult women, location (including distance and parking), academic knowledge, and online presence.

What would other people consider when selecting a provider? 

  • in reply to GuybrushThreepwood

    I hadn’t even considered aftercare so thank you for flagging this.
    I think, because my local nhs service is very clear that they offer no aftercare to adults, I forgot that a private service could potentially offer that. I will add to my list. 

  • I’m considering a private assessment, number one on my list is experience in diagnosing adult women (I know you’ve already mentioned that though) I think it may also be important to consider aftercare, do they offer any support post diagnosis if needed? Some people are happy to accept their report and go on their way but others do sometimes need help to come to terms with a diagnosis or support with areas of life they find difficult (unless you think your current therapist is experienced to deal with that side of things if they’ve noticed that you have traits)