Private autism assessments: information for parents/carers
Why do private assessment reports need to be reviewed by the Trust?
Currently the Education Authority do not accept private diagnoses of Autism, these therefore have to be reviewed by Health Trusts. Health Trusts also have to receive and accept private assessment reports in order to record that an Autism diagnosis has been made for a child/ young person, and to offer appropriate post diagnostic supports to the family.
There are regionally agreed criteria for this process, based on NICE guidance (National Institute for Clinical Excellence). The majority of local private providers should be aware of what the NICE guidelines are.
Health Trusts are not permitted to recommend any particular private providers. However the majority of the private reports we receive from a range of local providers are currently accepted. All private providers are clinically responsible for their own work and diagnostic outcomes.
What are the required criteria for a private assessment to be accepted?
The review criteria are as follows;
- A multidisciplinary team assessment: this means that there has been more than one clinical profession involved in the overall assessment process, such as a Paediatrician, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Speech and Language Therapist, Clinical/ Educational Psychologist or a psychologist with training and experience in Autism, Specialist Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker.
- A completed neurodevelopmental history: this means that parents/carers have provided detailed information about their child/young person’s developmental history and current presentation. This usually takes the form of an extended parental interview.
- Direct assessment of the child/young person focusing on features of Autism (as outlined in DSM 5 diagnostic criteria). An Autism specific tool should be considered for this part of the assessment.
- Consideration of differential diagnosis: this means that the private provider should state that they have considered other potential explanations for the child/ young person’s presentation, in addition to or instead of Autism.
- Use of third party information: this means that the assessment should contain supporting evidence from another setting (usually school) that was used in the diagnostic outcome.
- Physical examination: this is a specific assessment and is normally completed by a Paediatrician. A routine GP appointment is not sufficient.
- Diagnosis should not be given under 2 years
What if my child is already on a Trust assessment waiting list?
Children can remain on a Trust assessment waiting list even if they are seeking a private assessment. They are only taken off the list once the Trust receives, reviews and accepts the private report.
If the private assessment report is not accepted, a letter will be sent to you to explain why the report was not accepted, along with a request to provide the missing / incomplete information.
What if my child is not already on a Trust assessment waiting list?
If the Trust receives a private assessment report for a child/ young person not already on the assessment waiting list, the report will be reviewed in the same way. If the report is accepted, the Trust will inform you of this and share information about post diagnostic supports as appropriate.
If the private assessment report is not accepted, a letter will be sent to you to explain why the report was not accepted, along with a request to provide the missing / incomplete information.
Where should reports be sent to have them reviewed?
Private assessment reports should be sent to us via the Children’s Referral Service (CRS) for processing via email ChildrensReferralService@northerntrust.hscni.net or by posting to
Children’s Referral Service
Floor 2
12 Dublin Road
Antrim
BT41 4EA
Private assessment reports are reviewed on a regular basis by the Trust. It can take approximately 4-6 weeks for the report to be reviewed and a response generated.
