Private providers

Private Autism & ADHD Assessments

Due to long waiting lists for autism and  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments within Buckinghamshire CAMHS, many families are understandably seeking private assessments. We recognise that choosing this route is a significant financial decision and that finding a trustworthy provider can be stressful and time-consuming.

Private Assessment Guidance

We have produced a guidance document to support families who have, or are considering paying for a private Autism or ADHD assessment.

This covers:

• An Explanation of NICE Guidelines for Autism and ADHD assessments
• What will happen if your child is already on ADHD medication through a private provider and you would like the NHS to take over prescribing
• What is a shared care agreement with a GP?
• What happens if a private diagnosis doesn’t meet NICE Guidelines?
• Things to look out for when seeking a private provider
• What support will be provided post diagnosis?

Do I need to let you know if my child has had a private diagnosis of ADHD or Autism?

Yes, please let us know so we can update your child’s record by sending us a copy of the assessment report via email bucksneuroassessment@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

If the private assessment meets NICE guidelines then we can accept this and an NHS assessment will not be required. Your child will then be removed from the assessment team’s waiting list.

If the private assessment DOES NOT meet NICE guidelines an NHS assessment would still be required and would be subject to the current waiting times.

If your child has received a private diagnosis of ADHD and you would like them to be added to our ADHD Medication Clinic’s waiting list then please send us a copy of the report as above and ask to be added to the team’s waiting list.

Can you recommend a private provider?

We are unable to recommend private ADHD/Autism assessment providers.

It is important to research private providers and to choose a private company whose assessments meet NICE guidelines. These are evidence based recommendations for health and care in England.  We would also advise having a full discussion about the costs before you make a final decision. This should also include the cost of ADHD treatment should this be started by the private provider.

My child’s assessment meets NICE guidelines but their school aren’t accepting it as it’s not from the NHS. Can you help?

If this is the case, you can send us a copy of the assessment report and one of our clinicians will review it. If it meets NICE guidelines we can write a letter stating their diagnosis meets NHS standards and therefore a further assessment is not required.