Homeschooling - Assessments

Thank you so much for your message, I really appreciate you taking the time.

The guidance around speaking to the GP and the questionnaire is really helpful. I’ve actually completed one already, so it’s good to understand how that can support things alongside a referral rather than replace it.

It’s definitely helped me feel clearer on the next steps, so thank you again.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with me, I really appreciate it.

There’s a lot in there that’s really helpful, especially around the Right to Choose pathway and the reminder that a diagnosis can open doors for support rather than label.

It’s something I’m navigating alongside a few other things at the moment, so having it laid out clearly like this has really helped me think about next steps.

Thank you again for your support, it means a lot.

Homeschooling a nine-year-old who's anxious and overwhelmed? That sounds like the right call. The fact he's improving already says you're doing something solid. Getting an autism diagnosis now isn't about "labelling" - it's about unlocking doors: extra support, funding, accommodations if he ever goes back to school, even just knowing why he feels the way he does.

In the UK (assuming you're here, from the way you talk), here's how to go about it - straight, no fluff:

1. Start with your GP Book an appointment. Say: "My son's struggling with anxiety, sensory overload, social overwhelm in school  -  homeschooling helps, but professionals think autism might explain it. Can we get a referral?" Bring notes: what triggers him, how he copes at home, any meltdowns or shutdowns, routines he needs. If they've got school reports or teacher comments - even from before - hearing "he's thriving at home but crashed in class" helps.
2. Right to Choose (if you're in England) If the NHS wait's ridiculous (and it usually is - years sometimes), use Right to Choose. You can pick a private provider like Clinical Partners or Psychiatry-UK - they're NHS-approved, so it's free.
   • Register online (clinicalpartners.co.uk or psychiatry-uk.com).
   • GP refers you.
   • They do assessment (online or in-person), usually quicker than NHS.
   • Diagnosis comes with report - good for EHCP, DLA, school stuff later.
3. If NHS only Ask for the local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) team—they handle autism assessments for kids. Push for "urgent" if anxiety's bad - mention school refusal, self-harm risk if any. Some areas have "neurodiversity pathways" now - faster for suspected ASD.
4. Extras to grab
   • Get him on the waiting list for an EHCP (Education, Health & Care Plan) even without diagnosis - say "provisional autism needs" and homeschool evidence. It can fund tutors, therapy, or future school support.
   • If money's tight, check Beat or Mind - they sometimes link to low-cost assessments.

Real talk: diagnosis isn't magic, but it stops the "he's just naughty" nonsense. And at nine? You're catching it early - he'll thank you later.

Hi Amanda,

I think the most common route would be to speak to your GP, certainly in England (Some areas of Scotland, it's a lot harder). 
I think there is a child version of the AQ50 questionairre which you could also fill in and take with you. (This is an example, https://wychburymedicalgroup.co.uk/form/child-autism-spectrum-quotient-aq-50/ I don't know if that one shows you the score).  

Good luck with it!