Anywhere in UK can get a private AS diagnosis?

[bonzo]

Hello, new poster here. My partner needs to get an AS diagnosis and I
was wondering if anyone knows if Digby Tantam still does private
diagnoses? Link to his personal website on the Sheffield Uni site
doesn't work. Anyone know good alternatives? We have to go private
because the local PCT won't fund it, even though our GP is willing to
refer. Any suggestions appreciated, thanks.

[Legal Alien]

Post by bonzo
Hello, new poster here. My partner needs to get an AS diagnosis and I
was wondering if anyone knows if Digby Tantam still does private
diagnoses? Link to his personal website on the Sheffield Uni site
doesn't work. Anyone know good alternatives? We have to go private
because the local PCT won't fund it, even though our GP is willing to
refer. Any suggestions appreciated, thanks.

http://www.shsc.nhs.uk/our-services/specialist-services/sass/asperger-service-overview

[Phil W Lee]

Post by bonzo
Hello, new poster here. My partner needs to get an AS diagnosis and I
was wondering if anyone knows if Digby Tantam still does private
diagnoses? Link to his personal website on the Sheffield Uni site
doesn't work. Anyone know good alternatives? We have to go private
because the local PCT won't fund it, even though our GP is willing to
refer. Any suggestions appreciated, thanks.

You could try going after your local NHS trust for getting a proper
diagnosis. They are the ones obliged by the Autism Act 2009 (or
rather, the guidance that act required the Secretary of State to
issue) to provide assessment for adults with autistic spectrum
conditions.
They are failing in their duty of care by failing to provide this, so
you could attack them on that front - it's probably easier than
finding a private DX (which may not be recognised by anyone that
matters anyway).
DX or not, it is the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS) at the
local authority who is responsible in law for provision of appropriate
services (P.18 of statutory guidance).

Autism Act 2009:http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/15/contents

Statutory guidance issued as a result:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_122847

Statement from that guidance:
• Each area should put in place a clear pathway for diagnosis of
autism, from initial referral through to assessment of needs. An
important starting point will be to review the current pathway to
diagnosis in their area or organisation. Where there is an effective
pathway locally, which has the support of clinicians and adults with
autism, their families and carers, this should form the foundation of
any further changes.

Also:
• Diagnosis is not compulsory: not all adults who exhibit the
characteristics of autistic spectrum conditions will want to be
referred for formal diagnosis. Therefore, adults who may not have a
formal diagnosis of autism are still entitled to a needs assessment in
line with the principles of the 1990 Act.

[bonzo]

bonzo considered Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:38:42 -0800

Post by bonzo
Hello, new poster here. My partner needs to get an AS diagnosis and I
was wondering if anyone knows if Digby Tantam still does private
diagnoses? Link to his personal website on the Sheffield Uni site
doesn't work. Anyone know good alternatives? We have to go private
because the local PCT won't fund it, even though our GP is willing to
refer. Any suggestions appreciated, thanks.

You could try going after your local NHS trust for getting a proper
diagnosis. They are the ones obliged by the Autism Act 2009 (or
rather, the guidance that act required the Secretary of State to
issue) to provide assessment for adults with autistic spectrum
conditions.
They are failing in their duty of care by failing to provide this, so
you could attack them on that front - it's probably easier than
finding a private DX (which may not be recognised by anyone that
matters anyway).
DX or not, it is the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS) at the
local authority who is responsible in law for provision of appropriate
services (P.18 of statutory guidance).
Autism Act 2009:http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/15/contents
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_122847
• Each area should put in place a clear pathway for diagnosis of
autism, from initial referral through to assessment of needs. An
important starting point will be to review the current pathway to
diagnosis in their area or organisation. Where there is an effective
pathway locally, which has the support of clinicians and adults with
autism, their families and carers, this should form the foundation of
any further changes.
• Diagnosis is not compulsory: not all adults who exhibit the
characteristics of autistic spectrum conditions will want to be
referred for formal diagnosis. Therefore, adults who may not have a
formal diagnosis of autism are still entitled to a needs assessment in
line with the principles of the 1990 Act.

Thanks for this, it seems as though they can't refuse. I'll approach them. My partner has had to give up a 25-year, highlty specialised career in the NHS due to the behaviour of another employee which amounted to bullying, and which management did nothing about. Eventually it became unbearable, resulting in long-term absence due to anxiety and stress. Management can't understand the effects of being in a hostile atmosphere on an AS person. One of their mental health nurses at Human Resources tried to say she thought it was just personality and not AS, but we know different. We didn't especially want to go for a formal diagnosis for a number of reasons, but we've been left with little choice.