Selecting a private diagnosis provider

This is a tough one.

I self referred to the NAS's own Lorna Wing centre. They are the best. If you can afford it and wait, I'd go for them every time.

Otherwise, whilst I can't recommend anyone, there are things to look for in a provider. You obviously need someone whoes judgement you can trust and won't later be questioned and who is thorough. 

Normally you'd expect a team not just one bod on their own. Either a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with appropriate training and a speech and language specialist. Dig into their quals.

This also should not be something concluded in an hour. They should be asking for extensive background information and be assessing over several hours, if possible also talking to someone who knows you well (from childhood, if available).

You should also expect a detailed profile report after the assessment.

Also, don't be put off by waiting lists. NHS waiting lists are long. Private ones are shorter, but the good private ones are in demand too. Anyone who says they can do it tomorrow in this climate might be suspect.

I hope that at least gives you a focus for the questions to ask.

This is a tough one.

I self referred to the NAS's own Lorna Wing centre. They are the best. If you can afford it and wait, I'd go for them every time.

Otherwise, whilst I can't recommend anyone, there are things to look for in a provider. You obviously need someone whoes judgement you can trust and won't later be questioned and who is thorough. 

Normally you'd expect a team not just one bod on their own. Either a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with appropriate training and a speech and language specialist. Dig into their quals.

This also should not be something concluded in an hour. They should be asking for extensive background information and be assessing over several hours, if possible also talking to someone who knows you well (from childhood, if available).

You should also expect a detailed profile report after the assessment.

Also, don't be put off by waiting lists. NHS waiting lists are long. Private ones are shorter, but the good private ones are in demand too. Anyone who says they can do it tomorrow in this climate might be suspect.

I hope that at least gives you a focus for the questions to ask.

Thank you. This is very helpful. There seems to be a large range of providers and it is very difficult to take them all in. “A focus for the questions to ask” - you have hit one of the nails right on the head. Thank you again.