Lorna Wing Referral

Really shocked and very stressed out right now.

I received a reply from LWC about my self referral this morning. They are wanting me to forward all my paperwork that I said I would... hang on... I sent it all in over 8 weeks ago!! I have the confirmation from them that they had received it.

This is just so stressful!!

Filing and keeping paperwork in the correct file isn't that difficult! I am so fed up with having to repeat myself over and over because people are incompetent where their jobs are concerned!

I've already had a huge panic attack today, I really don't need this! When my panic levels have come back down in a few days I'll gather all the correspondence up and file a complaint.

Thanks Bob. None of this was indictacted to me when I contacted LWC and considering the fees they charge expected much better. I still haven't heard anything from them. I am fed up with chasing them, so will leave it.

I will just say I expected better from NAS and LWC. Adults seeking assessment really are badly let down on all sides.

Dear cheesemouse.

I contacted the Lorna Wing Centre about your post, and they’ve sent us the following information about how their diagnosis service operates. As they don’t have your details, they haven’t been able to respond to tell you exactly what’s happening about your self-referral for a diagnosis, but have explained below why the process takes several weeks, and why they need all the information you have sent to them. If you have any further questions, please contact the Centre again directly. 

- We aim to acknowledge requests for assessments within two weeks. After that, the clinical team needs to review all the details that have been provided, which can take some time. A decision about if, when and how the team will do an assessment will then be communicated to the person. Each case is different and anyone who wants to know what is happening with their request should contact the Centre.

- Previous assessments and reports are requested to assist the clinical team in understanding the needs of the person and to avoid duplication. These reports are kept in confidential and secure cabinets and can be returned if this is requested.

- The clinical team needs to review the referral request and any additional papers thoroughly to ensure that we only proceed with assessments that are appropriate and where we can meet the individual’s needs and expectations. This includes a risk assessment to ensure that our assessment does not cause the person any stress or upset. This may mean that we have to ensure the person will have links to support services after any diagnosis. Post diagnostic support is very important to ensure that the autistic person understands their profile of needs and is set up with suitable local support. 

- Most people spend a full day at the Centre from around 10am to 4pm. There are some shorter assessments for adults, depending on their needs. There are different prices for these assessments which are fully discussed with the person before proceeding with the assessment.

- More details about our assessments are on the National Autistic Society website here www.autism.org.uk/.../diagnosis.aspx 

Not wanting to go to GP and wait, I have just received the referal form from LWC and need to fill in the paperwork. However, I have concerns about it. To begin with the money is a lot but I am prepared to pay to get my answer. I am going to ask this question of them when I send my paperwork back, but if the diagnosis is no, do you get any indication of what is your condition? I am looking for answers and currently ASC fits but if it is not, then what explains the way I am and feel. Does anyone know if LWC gives any other avenues of diagnosis to pursue in the event of a no? It is a lot of money to spend to get back to square one, although Autism can be ruled out I suppose.

The other route I have been thinking about is the Priory Group - anybody had any experience with them? They need a GP referral but then you can seek private diagnosis which costs approximately  1000 pounds. They said in their e-mail that the diagnosis is undertaken over two one hour sessions. Whereas LWC could be either a whole day or a morning. This worries me because how can there be such a difference in diagnosis times between the two? Any thoughts on this? 

I am so confused what to do and therefore wish to gather as much information and experience as I can, especially from people who have been through or going through the same concerns.

Finally I wish cheesemouse and anyone else good luck in their diagnosis. 

Hi Cheesemouse,

I'm sure LWC don't want anyone to feel "mugged".

I will draw LWCs attention to your posts here but the NAS is open to feedback via our feedback/complaint form about all our services. It's easy to do and will allow us to log and respond to it formally.

Best wishes

Bob - Mod

Bob C said:

Hi Cheesemouse

I'm sorry to hear of your difficult experience(s)

If it would help I could obtain some information about the LW Centre self referral programme for you (and others) and post it here. Otherwise if you would like to give feedback or make a complaint please use the form below.

www.autism.org.uk/.../compliments-comments-and-complaints-form_jul 2013.ashx

Best Wishes

Bob-Mod

Not really sure how a complaint will help when they are very slow to respond anyway. I'm just shocked that they took all those private documents and haven't even bothered telling me what is happening. I feel like I've mugged or something. Especailly given that they could turn down my self-referal. You'd think they would be able to say yes or no to whether they can assess someone without asking for pages and pages of highly confidential reports and other paperwork. Like I've said I feel like I've been mugged or something.

NAS18652 said:

It does seem that quicker assessment is available if you are willing to pay, and I would suspect that Lorna Wing Bromley provides a quality service, however £3000 seems a lot of money

You'd think so, wouldn't you, but it seems not.

I don't know for sure that that is what they will charge me for an asessment. £3000 is the figure I have heard from others who have appraoched the Lorna Wing for a private assessment.

TBH if that is what they are going to charge me, I will not be able to afford it and will just have to wait it out on the NHS list.

asparagus said:

No sorry. Just know that 6 weeks is very very short in the NHS world of autism assessments. Frustrating but think I waited about 18 month

I know, that is why I self referred to the Lorna Wing. You'd think if they are going to charge me £3000 for an assessment then they'd provide a better and quicker service.

No sorry. Just know that 6 weeks is very very short in the NHS world of autism assessments. Frustrating but think I waited about 18 month :-)

Hi Cheesemouse

I'm sorry to hear of your difficult experience(s)

If it would help I could obtain some information about the LW Centre self referral programme for you (and others) and post it here. Otherwise if you would like to give feedback or make a complaint please use the form below.

www.autism.org.uk/.../compliments-comments-and-complaints-form_jul 2013.ashx

Best Wishes

Bob-Mod