Recommendations for private diagnostic assessment
Posted by
everhopeful
on 12th April 2009
at 20:15
Dear Joolz,
I am new to this forum. I can't help with a private diagnostic centre but I would just like to say that the fact that you have found this website shows that you are very much on the ball and I know you will do everything you can to help your child. Unfortuanately, the old adage, he who shouts loudest gets the most could have been written to describe getting the right services needed when it comes to autism. I would suggest you go back to the NHS paed (and this is my opinion only) and suggest that he/she sees your son again, that you can't wait for 3 months and if they refuse to ask for a second opinion. You need to hang on to the skills your child has and build on these - without a diagnosis, getting access to the right resources and training will be difficult.
My son has quite severe autism and many sensory problems so his therapy largely consists of an ABA programme, sensory integration therapy and PECs. He is 5 1/2 now.
Sorry not to have been able to help with your question regarding private diagnostic centres but if you need any support or information I would be happy to try to help.
Best wishes
Jane
Posted by
Zoe
on 16th April 2009
at 23:21
Joolz
Catherine Aldred is a SaLT who is ADOS trained and a trainer in using ADOS as a diagnostic tool. She is one of the principal investigators in the PACT study (RCT funded by MRC) and would be well placed to assess and diagnose your child (if appropriate) - she is based in Bramhall in Stockport and if you google on her you will find links to her practice.
I would also recommend you look at the intervention RDI www.rdiconnect.com which seeks to remediate core deficits of autism, rather than compensate for deficits.
Zoe
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Posted by
joolz
on 11th April 2009
at 21:24
We have a 2 1/2 year old boy who has signs of autism and hyperlexia, we do not currently have a diagnosis and are considering going private. His social communication and language were all normal until regression at 24-26 months. He is happy healthy placid quiet boy who has basically stopped talking and being social - he just uses very occasional words although he still sings songs, counts and labels things frequently, he has stopped interacting with peers / carers and stopped answering to name / directions. NHS paed is deferring whether to do a multi disc assessment until SALT have assessed him and within 3 months they will decide whether he merits further assessment. I can understand he is difficult to assess but we and nursery have clear evidence of significant regression for which as I understand it there are few explanations other than autism. We don't want to wait before starting multi disc process / intervention. Can anyone recommend private diagnostic centres? We live on North / West Yorkshire border but will travel. We have family in London and are considering Christophers Place / London Children's Practice. Any recommendations / experiences would be appreciated.