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Private Diagnosis for Toddler

NAS67074

Hi, 

My 21 month old daughter is showing early signs of autism. She has been referred to the Community Paediatric Team but they have advised that there is a 6-9 month waiting list for an initial assessment. 

I am considering obtaining a private assessment. Has anyone else done this or have any experiences that they wish to share? I am concerned about going private in case she is diagnosed incorrectly (either way) as they may not be knowledgeable.

Would anyone be able to recommend anyone reputable/knowledgeable in the Midlands area? 

Thanks

Lauren

  • Personally i have had a bad experience with a private diagnosis, but that was over eight years ago. i don't know if my local authority have changed its attitude to private diagnosis, but they did not accept it as evidence of autism spectrum disorder when i was at school and college. it was expensive after costing my parents at the time over a thousand pound. it wasn't until i got a National Health Service diagnosis as an adult that entitled me the evidence to claim benefit and access to support. If i had the support earlier through out school i know i would of done better in school and would of had the support at college that would enabled me succeed. 

    I believe i am not the only one who have experienced this but i would recommend you go through the general practitioner to be put on the waiting list for a National health Service Diagnostic Service while seeking private diagnosis as you might hit a barrier where local authority may refuse to accept it as evidence that may affect funding for you child's support at school and college.

    If you go the public route their is a waiting list period of around six months to three years for children and it depends on your location and each Diagnostic Service public or private operates differently so beware that their may be some inconsistency and failings in both, follow you instincts and if you require a seconded opinion you request second opinion. its not uncommon for them to fail to recognize it in the initial assessment to be diagnosed at a later age. It's also very common for children to be lost in the system so you might have to keep pestering them once a month to see the referral has gone through.  

  • in reply to NAS67074

    Hi Lauren. Sorry my notifications were off.

    We are in the exact same position, we also have been referred to SALT. But awaiting our first face to face appointment and unsure when that will be yet. 
    Did they then put you in touch with the local authority for SEN help? Thanks so much x

  • in reply to MumR

    Hi,

    No I decided not to pursue it as most private places only assess from age 5 onwards. Plus my daughter is now working with SALT and has been referred to the local authority for SEN support so, even though she is yet to see a paediatrician, I feel she has all the support she needs at the moment. 

    Are you in a similar situation? 

    Thanks

    Lauren

  • Hi Lauren.

    i was wondering if you had progressed with this? Did you try a private diagnosis or have you had your community appointment? 
    thank you!

    x

  • Unfortunately I don't know anything about private - my daughter was diagnosed age 8 and it was a 12 month wait at the time so 6-9 months seems relatively quick which is awful to say.  I would keep ringing them - be on their case until support if offered. Trust your judgement.  Good luck!