PRIVATE AUDHD ASSESSMENT

Dear All,

I have been awarded PIP after Review for the next three years which I am extremely grateful for.

However, I believe that I may feel less stressed during my next Review in June 2028, if by then I have a formal diagnosis of Autism and ADHD.

I acknowledge that PIP is not awarded on the basis of a diagnosis and instead, that it is awarded on the basis of how my condition affects me regarding daily living and mobility activities.

However, I have also read that having a formal diagnosis can and a diagnostic report can strengthen my application.

In addition, for my own ‘peace of mind’ and with regards to other care and support that I may be entitled to, I believe that receiving a formal diagnosis may help me.

I have approached my GP on several occasions over the last two years to enquire about being assessed by the NHS for Autism and ADHD. My GP told me that the waiting-list in the Black Country was ‘years long’.

In May of this year, he referred me via Right to Choose to a local clinic for an assessment - they have e-mailed me to say that they are unable to receive any further referrals for Autism assessments at present.

I went back to the Right to Choose list - the other clinic in the West Midlands states on its website that Black Country ICB are not currently referring people for assessments there.

I have contacted a local clinic who could conduct a private assessment - they strictly adhere to the NICE guidelines.

I believe that going through the assessment process and receiving a formal diagnosis of Autism and ADHD is something that would help me immensely (with my next PIP Review and also, for myself, generally) - however, I would want to ensure that their assessment would be accepted by DWP - I am anxious as I have been told that it may not be as it wouldn’t be conducted by the NHS - however, I don’t seem to have an NHS option at present.

I was just wondering if anyone can advise me, please?

I know that no-one can guarantee that the DWP would accept the diagnosis - but I have read that if the assessment adheres to NICE guidelines, then it should be.

Although I would want the formal diagnosis aside from just to support a PIP Review, I would rather but have to spend my own money on assessment, if the DWP would not accept it.

Thank you for your help.

Kind regards,

Jennifer