Are you feeling confused about whether there is a difference between a private versus an NHS autism assessment and you’re not sure whether to invest in a private assessment? It can be confusing knowing where to turn if you feel your child needs an assessment or perhaps you are looking for one as an adult. Below are some top tips to consider when you are looking for an autism assessment:
Key Considerations for Autism Assessments
All competent providers should follow guidance set out by NICE, which details the standards for assessment. Here are some key things to look out for:
- Assessment Tools: Are the assessors using key tools to assess Autism like the ADOS and the ADI-R?
- Team Approach: Is there a team element, with at least two professionals from differing backgrounds who come together to discuss their views?
- Assessment Format: Will you or your child be seen face-to-face or online? While online assessments have become much more common, some standardised measures have yet to be fully validated for online work. For more information on the pros and cons of diagnosing Autism online, please click on this link.
- Information gathering: Are they collecting key information from a range of sources such as a child’s school or for an adult, from significant others such as a partner.
- Follow-Up Services: Will they provide a written report and recommendations and follow-up after your autism assessments? Some holistic services have the capacity to follow up with additional assessments or therapy. Other services that are ‘one-stop shops’ for autism may not have this facility, which is something you may wish to consider.
- Timing: What is the time you need to wait to receive your feedback and report? Some agencies have longer times than others. Cura Psychology aims to get our reports to you within two weeks of completion of the assessment.
Private vs. NHS Assessments: The Main Differences
So, what’s the main difference between private and NHS assessments? Often, clinicians employed in private agencies also work in specialised NHS services, so it’s worth enquiring about who will do your assessment and their background and experiences. One of the key advantages of private assessments is accessibility.
Generally, the waits are shorter, and that can make a difference to your child at a crucial stage of their development or education. Research tells us that the sooner a child is diagnosed, the better their outcomes. Flexibility of times for appointments is another key advantage for busy households. You might also want to consider if the service you are using for your autism assessment is near you and knows your local school, which can be advantageous if liaison after the assessment is needed.
Thresholds can differ in NHS services; that means that some NHS services require the school or other agencies to support the referral for an autism assessment and they may have to collect a lot of information prior to a referral. This can be difficult for some families whose children may ‘mask’ their difficulties at school.
One of the main considerations for families is cost. Private autism assessments are usually in the range of £2000. This reflects the level of experience needed by assessors and their levels of training. Whilst this is a considerable outlay for families or individuals it is worth enquiring about payment in instalments or using companies such as Klarna to spread the cost.
Conclusion
Choosing between a private and NHS autism assessment can be a daunting decision. However, by considering the key factors mentioned above, you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs or those of your child. Remember, early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek the help you need. At Cura Psychology Ltd. we are always happy and on hand to discuss any queries or concerns you may have to support you in decision making.
