Private autism assessments

Hello, I found Harley Street Psychiatrists online to have mine done.  I did have a referral from the GP, but this was taking to long - www.harleytherapy.co.uk/autism-testing.htm.  I had it via Zoom and you receive a report in about three weeks.

Hi Colin

thanks for the information. Psychiatry UK are used by the NHS and use NHS consultants at so that is definitely sufficient.

Hello,

I was recently diagnosed through the NHS. However, they used Clinical Partners to do mine - a private organisation. 

https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/ 

They seem to be one of the more established and respected in this field.

Just to update you, we now have an appointment with Psychiatry UK. Thank you so much for your help, it’s because of this forum that we found a solution so it’s much appreciated.

When I was looking the one I chose states that their diagnosis is recognised by the NHS, so maybe have a look on each places website for more information or contact them to ask them? 

I was diagnosed by a NHS consultant psychiatrist through Psychiatry UK. Personally, I prefer the psychiatry approach, which is more medical history based than most. A clinical psychologist might be somewhat different in outlook. I mask essentially perfectly, virtually all of the time, I have no confidence in any clinician being able to divine my autism by observing me. All assessors work off the same diagnostic manuals, however. You do have to show evidence of all the traits deemed necessary in the manuals for a diagnosis, but you are paying for the expertise of the clinician. I got the impression that my very extensive and detailed questionnaire had largely convinced my assessor of my autistic status even before the interview. We discussed my anxiety and OCD problems extensively, and I was given an ASD diagnosis and two additional ones.

Thanks Aaron. We have started doing the online tests on Psychiatry UK but will have a look at the Shropshire one too. The only issue with Psychiatry UK is it’s done online and I don’t think you really get a sense of someone on a computer screen. 

Does anyone know if it’s just a tick box exercise or do the assessors use their judgement too?

I have heard Psychiatry UK are a route.  

Some have said Autonomy Plus in Shropshire are good and are NHS recognised.

www.shropshireautonomy.co.uk/.../pre-diagnostic

Happy to be of help. As an example of a company used by the NHS, there is Psychiatry UK - website here: https://psychiatry-uk.com/

Hi Martin, 

Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply, it is very helpful.  I’m not sure how to check if a provider is registered with NHS or or used by the NHS through Right to choose but I will google it and there is one provider we have in mind so will ask them directly. Thank you again, you’re very kind.

Taken verbatim from the NICE guidelines for the assessment of ASD, "Diagnostic assessment, which in the UK uses ICD-10, is often within a multi-disciplinary team but at a minimum is by a qualified clinician, usually a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist." From the document: Autism Recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum, National Clinical Guideline Number 142, p. 25.

Though NHS diagnosis is by a team that might contain occupational therapists and speech therapists, for a stand alone diagnosis by a single professional, I would go for a clinician, so a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or neurologist (as per the NICE guideline above). Look for clinicians who have specialisms in autism.

As for a private provider, that is the company providing the services of clinicians, check that they are registered with the NHS (can be done online). An even better guarantee is if the provider is used by the NHS to assess people through the 'Right to Choose' scheme. The diagnoses provided by such a company will be entirely 'kosher'.

Quick update- I’ve contacted Mind, the GMC and NHS England and none of them know what credentials are needed to become a private autism assessor!