Private Autism Assessment Hertfordshire – Will a private diagnosis be accepted by the local authority, CAMHS or schools?
Families understandably often ask us whether a private autism assessment will be accepted by the local authority, CAMHS or schools.
There is absolutely no legal basis upon which an assessment can be rejected just because it has been done privately rather than by the NHS. In other words, if the assessment has been conducted in accordance with the National Institution of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines and by appropriately trained and experienced practitioners, then there is no legal justification to not accept the assessment.
Autism Assessment Hertfordshire Clinicians
All of the clinicians involved with our autism assessments are registered with a regulatory body such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). These regulatory bodies ensure adherence to high standards of professional practice.
Furthermore, our team all also currently, or have previously, worked within the NHS. Our autism assessments are conducted in accordance with the NICE Guidelines. Additionally, in a similar manner to how they are conducted in NHS settings.
EHCP Assessment Hertfordshire
Sometimes the families we work with are applying for Education and Healthcare Plans (EHCP’s) for their children and so they may particularly want to understand whether a private diagnosis will be accepted for this purpose.
There is a requirement that Local Authorities must consider advice from healthcare professionals when conducting EHCP assessments. Moreover, they could be considered in breach of the code of practice should this advice not be considered. (Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice, 2015).
Eligibility
Not all children who have a diagnosis of autism will be eligible for an EHCP. Regardless of whether the diagnosis has been made by an NHS service or by a private company. An autism diagnosis should not be discounted simply because it has been made privately. In other words, as long as it has been made by experienced and regulated professionals who are following NICE guidance.
Each service is different. You may wish to contact them to ensure that they will accept a private diagnosis that adheres to the NICE Guidelines. We are happy to liaise with Local Authorities regarding our assessments should any issues ever arise with our reports or diagnoses being accepted.
If you would like to request an assessment please fill in our Contact Form . If you have any immediate questions, you may find them on or FAQ page. Please do connect with us on Facebook too.