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Is there any value in getting a private diagnosis for my 7 year old?

NAS91457

We believe our 7 year old is autistic. We have submitted all the forms for an assessment with the school. It sounds like the assessment will take at least 18 months. Is there any value in getting a private diagnosis? We’ve heard from other parents that the school and LEA won’t recognise a private diagnosis so there is little point in it. The school haven’t really answered me when I’ve asked. I don’t really want to wait 18+ months for my son to get extra support if he is autistic. Any advice please? We are new to all of this so don’t really understand how it all works. 

for context - our boy doesn’t have any developmental delays and finds his schoolwork easy. He also doesn’t have meltdowns at school. So I suspect he is low on the priority list for SENCO.

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  • Yeah that's a good point about it not being recognised...basically some institutions or bodies of authority will be sceptical mainly because in SOME circumstances and NOT all btw some professionals who diagnose will give you the diagnosis you want or it may be seen this way..not saying you would do that of course. 

  • in reply to NAS83342

    There was the fuss about "buying" ADHD diagnoses. I doubt many practitioners would risk their reputation and livelihood by deliberately selling fake diagnoses. It is possible, as in the case of certain journalists, to lie about one's medical history to mislead the specialist. The thing about ADHD is that it is treated with controlled drugs. I can't see any advantage in seeking a false diagnosis of autism.

    In the case I described, the local authority social worker's EHCP report was, if I recall correctly, about half a page of A4. My witness statement was five pages plus appendices and took several hours to prepare ... a local authority social worker would not have the time to write up each case in such detail. By going private you are in effect buying a professional's time. Compare an NHS GP appointment which lasts ten minutes with an appointment with a private GP for half an hour. Private practitioners have smaller caseloads and can devote more time to listening to each client / patient.

    As an expert witness, although I am instructed by one of the parties, my duty is to give a fair and balanced opinion to the Tribunal. I once had an inquiry from a parent who would only pay me if I agreed to support their request for what I considered an inappropriate residential ABT placement - I of course refused the job. That is why I prefer to take referrals from solicitors or other professionals.

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  • in reply to NAS83342

    There was the fuss about "buying" ADHD diagnoses. I doubt many practitioners would risk their reputation and livelihood by deliberately selling fake diagnoses. It is possible, as in the case of certain journalists, to lie about one's medical history to mislead the specialist. The thing about ADHD is that it is treated with controlled drugs. I can't see any advantage in seeking a false diagnosis of autism.

    In the case I described, the local authority social worker's EHCP report was, if I recall correctly, about half a page of A4. My witness statement was five pages plus appendices and took several hours to prepare ... a local authority social worker would not have the time to write up each case in such detail. By going private you are in effect buying a professional's time. Compare an NHS GP appointment which lasts ten minutes with an appointment with a private GP for half an hour. Private practitioners have smaller caseloads and can devote more time to listening to each client / patient.

    As an expert witness, although I am instructed by one of the parties, my duty is to give a fair and balanced opinion to the Tribunal. I once had an inquiry from a parent who would only pay me if I agreed to support their request for what I considered an inappropriate residential ABT placement - I of course refused the job. That is why I prefer to take referrals from solicitors or other professionals.

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