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Assessment for diagnosis waiting time

NAS83078

Hi everyone, 

I am currently on the waiting list for an assessment for autism, after being referred by my GP. However, I have been told that the average waiting time for an assessment is 18 months - they confirmed I had been approved for an assessment last November, so this means that I should get an appointment in May 2023, I guess. I emailed the referral centre about a month ago, and they said that the waiting time had not changed. 

I was just wondering whether it was normal to be waiting this long for an assessment? Was going through my GP the right route to take? 

Parents

  • It tends to be as long or longer in most areas, for an NHS assessment. Asking for a 'right to choose' referral through the NHS for an assessment by a private provider (i.e. the NHS pays for you to see a non-NHS clinician) might speed things up, if you can get it. Paying for a private assessment is the fastest of all - I paid early last year and waited 3 weeks.

Reply

  • It tends to be as long or longer in most areas, for an NHS assessment. Asking for a 'right to choose' referral through the NHS for an assessment by a private provider (i.e. the NHS pays for you to see a non-NHS clinician) might speed things up, if you can get it. Paying for a private assessment is the fastest of all - I paid early last year and waited 3 weeks.

Children
  • in reply to Martin

    Hi Matin, sorry to hijack? I am looking for a diagnosis but can't even get through to my GP at the oment to discuss getting on the waiting list. Have you any recommendations for a private assessment like you had, and if the cost isn't eye watering I will look to go down this route. Thanks.

  • in reply to Martin

    Hi, 

    I know a private assessment and diagnosis is faster, but I was told at university and college, that if you get a private diagnosis and/or assessment, sometimes they weren’t accepted as proof of a disability. Is this true and has anyone else heard this? I distinctly remember being told this at college/university levels and by more than one person, both students and staff/support staff.