How to SKIP the Long Autism Assessment Waiting Times | CareGen
Home / CareGen Support / How to SKIP the Long Autism Assessment Waiting Times
How to SKIP the Long Autism Assessment Waiting Times

How to SKIP the Long Autism Assessment Waiting Times

Dec 25, 2023 Posted by: CareGen Ltd

Raising a child with autism comes with its unique challenges, and parents often find themselves navigating through various systems to ensure their child receives the best care possible. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services, including autism assessments. However, the long waiting times for these assessments can be a source of frustration for parents. Fortunately, there is a process called the "right to choose" that empowers parents to explore alternative routes to obtain a private autism assessment for their child. In this article, we will discuss the steps parents can take to exercise this right and potentially bypass the extended NHS waiting times.

Understanding the Right to Choose:

The "right to choose" is a provision within the NHS that allows patients, including parents seeking assessments for their children, to opt for a different healthcare provider than the one initially offered by the NHS. This right aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate services.

Steps to Exercise the Right to Choose:

  1. Initial Consultation with Your GP: Begin by discussing your concerns with your General Practitioner (GP). Share your reasons for seeking a private autism assessment and inquire about the right to choose process. Your GP can provide guidance on the steps to follow and may assist in facilitating the process.

  2. Research Private Providers: Take the time to research reputable private autism assessment providers. Look for professionals with experience in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. Seek recommendations from other parents, support groups, or healthcare professionals who specialize in autism.

  3. Request a List of Options: Ask your GP for a list of private providers that offer autism assessments. The right to choose process allows you to select from a range of options, giving you the flexibility to choose a provider that aligns with your preferences and requirements.

  4. Consider Funding Options: While private assessments come with a cost, explore potential funding options available to you. Some private providers may offer financial assistance, or you may be eligible for grants or support from charitable organizations specializing in autism.

  5. Inform Your GP of Your Choice: Once you've identified a suitable private provider, inform your GP of your decision. Your GP will then initiate the referral process to the chosen provider, facilitating a smoother transition from the NHS to the private assessment.

  6. Coordinate with the Chosen Provider: Work closely with the private provider to schedule the assessment at a time that suits your child and family. Provide them with any relevant information from previous assessments or medical records to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

Conclusion:

The right to choose process within the UK empowers parents of young people with autism to take control of their child's healthcare journey. By carefully navigating the steps outlined above, parents can explore alternative routes, potentially avoiding the lengthy waiting times associated with NHS assessments. Remember that open communication with your GP, thorough research, and collaboration with a chosen private provider are essential elements of successfully exercising the right to choose and obtaining a timely and comprehensive autism assessment for your child.