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

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.

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.        

Hi Blue,

Thanks for your reply and thoughts on what would be the best thing to do.

I can understand the possible benefit of staying on the NHS waiting list, but I don't want to do this in case I get two different diagnoses.  For example, if LWC says I am autistic, but the NHS assessors say I'm not.  That would leave me forever in doubt about whether or not I'm autistic, which psychologically I would find very difficult.

The Lorna Wing Centre sent me this information:  

"Please note that the Lorna Wing Centre does not hold a block NHS contract with your local Clinical Commission Group (CCG) and therefore we will not be one of the service options under Patient Choice. You will therefore need to discuss a referral to our service with your GP.

 If your GP agrees to refer you to our service we would need a completed referral form from yourself and a referral letter from your GP which needs to state clearly that they support the referral and will apply for an Individual Funding Request (IFR) through your local CCG.   Your referral will then be reviewed by our clinical team and we will confirm acceptance of the referral to you and your GP, if it is appropriate for our service and provide the costings.  Your GP will then be required to apply for an Individual Funding Request (IFR) on your behalf through the CCG.  If funding is agreed by the CCG we will require confirmation in writing from them before we can proceed with providing an assessment for you."

I went through this process and asked my GP if they would refer me to the LWC through the NHS, but my GP said that individual funding requests are extremely hard to get for anyone, and in my case it wouldn't work because I had already been offered the option of being referred for an NHS assessment elsewhere.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

You'll have to look on google for your right to choose options and fill out the required forms and hand it to your GP if not they will not inform you about your right to choose options. 

You'll have to look on google for your right to choose options and fill out the required forms and hand it to your GP if not they will not inform you about your right to choose options.