Has anybody had trouble accessing NHS treatment after a private autism diagnosis at Lorna Wing Centre?

Apologies for the long post title.

I'm going to have an assessment at the Lorna Wing Centre, privately funded because my GP says it won't be possible on the NHS.

My GP advised me to check whether I would still be eligible for NHS autism treatment (e.g. therapy) after a private diagnosis.

I asked the LW Centre about this, and they advised me to check with my local service providers.  I'm going to email them now, but I don't know if it will be possible to get a clear answer.  


I was just wondering if anyone else has had a private assessment there, and then had any trouble accessing NHS treatment?  I wouldn't have thought it would be an issue, given the LWC's reputation and the fact that they also accept NHS referrals, but I want to find out if I can.

Thanks in advance.

Parents
  • An update:  I have not yet been able to get a clear answer from any of the people who I contacted to ask about this (including my local CCG).  I think perhaps nobody wants to say for definite whether a diagnosis would be accepted, perhaps because they want to cover themselves or because they just don't know if somebody down the line will decide not to accept it.  But given the LWC's reputation, and the fact that they take NHS referrals, I think it's likely that a diagnosis from there would be accepted.

    I've decided to have my assessment at the LWC in any case, because they specialise in working with women.  Another factor is that I don't think I could cope with a much longer waiting list where you don't have even a rough idea of how long you'll be waiting.  Also, if I went through an NHS referral and happened to have bad luck, was assessed by someone who didn't have experience of diagnosing women, and was given a "not autistic" diagnosis, I would definitely not be able to get further help for autism on the NHS.

    Thanks a lot to everyone who contributed to this thread, I really appreciate it.  I was very anxious about this topic and it was very helpful to read people's replies.

Reply
  • An update:  I have not yet been able to get a clear answer from any of the people who I contacted to ask about this (including my local CCG).  I think perhaps nobody wants to say for definite whether a diagnosis would be accepted, perhaps because they want to cover themselves or because they just don't know if somebody down the line will decide not to accept it.  But given the LWC's reputation, and the fact that they take NHS referrals, I think it's likely that a diagnosis from there would be accepted.

    I've decided to have my assessment at the LWC in any case, because they specialise in working with women.  Another factor is that I don't think I could cope with a much longer waiting list where you don't have even a rough idea of how long you'll be waiting.  Also, if I went through an NHS referral and happened to have bad luck, was assessed by someone who didn't have experience of diagnosing women, and was given a "not autistic" diagnosis, I would definitely not be able to get further help for autism on the NHS.

    Thanks a lot to everyone who contributed to this thread, I really appreciate it.  I was very anxious about this topic and it was very helpful to read people's replies.

Children
  • Stay on the NHS waiting list while perusing other options. In the case you get a private diagnosis that is not accepted by your local authority and other establishments. you'll still be on the waiting list for the NHS one. If you do come across the barrier where the professional diagnosing you isn't taking you seriously you can request a second opinion. But i do recommend bringing family or close friend who can support you during the assessment as male professionals are less likely to take you seriously because of the gender gap. 

    You doctor has lied to you about other option. Their are right to choose options in your area. your doctor often doesn't spend enough time finding the information out.