Well we have had three very different diagnosis journeys. All of which was painful, time consuming, sole destroying. But very much important.
We have had a mix of private and NHS diagnosis. Why did we go private, well we are still on waiting list on NHS for the rest of the diagnosis. Here in Buckinghamshire if you child is under 5 years old when they are referred they will be seen by community paediatrics and other aged children through CAHMS. Waiting list for initial assessments are around 2-4 years. Yes you read that right.
What normally happens is both the parent and school will have forms to fill in. This will give the specialist indication of the concerns (not sure if concerns is the right word, but my brain is tired)
With Private assessment (in our experience) the specialists do school observations, sometime home too. Which I think is great. As neurodivergent people do present differently at home and school and in doctors office. But this is costly, any medication you will need to pay for private prescription and pay for medication reviews before the NHS will take it over.
But a diagnosis is just that a diagnosis. I found it won’t give you automatically help. That is a separate battle.
What I have found helped?
Occupational Therapy: I found this little gem way too late in our journey. They are fantastic. Can help with sensory issues, self harm, personal hygiene like brushing teeth etc. In Bucks there is alot of webinars you can do that are so helpful. But you can self refer yourself to them. You dont need a professional to do this. And you certainly dont need a diagnosis to gain help.
Play Therapy: This can be done through School Nursing Team, CAHMS, or Privately. Initially there is normally 6 week intervention. But I found this didnt touch the side. There is lots of different types, playing Lego, Art Therapy, Cyber Therapy (no not shopping but play games like Minecraft online along with your therapist). This is costly if you have to pay, but maybe see if it can be covered by Higher Block Needs Funding.
But remember you dont need a diagnosis to get help, the need just needs to be there maybe a bit of fight.
Good Luck.
