Private assessment FAQs - Children and Family Health Devon

Who are the NHS funded private providers?

We are currently working alongside Seven Care or Psicon

Where can I find out more information about the provider?

Please see both Psicon and Seven Care’s website links below with further information:

Psicon:Children’s Private Autism Assessments – South East UK

How long will it be before my child’s assessment if I stay on the CFHD list?

If you are offered a private assessment and choose to stay with CFHD, your estimated assessment with CFHD will likely be within the next year.

How will I know if I am being offered a private assessment?

We will call you and talk through any questions that you have on the phone.

How long will it be before my child’s assessment is completed if I agree to a private assessment?

Your child will be assessed within a maximum of 6 months from the transfer date.

Once my child has been transferred to a private provider will I still be offered an assessment with CFHD?

No, once you have consented to an assessment with a private provider, we will transfer your child’s information securely to the private provider, and your child will be closed to the CFHD neurodiversity pathway- your child will remain open to any other pathway that they are having/waiting for support from.

Will the assessment outcome be accepted by the local authority for EHCPs?

Devon County Council have confirmed that they are accepting private autism diagnosis for any school-based/ needs-led support, including EHCPs. This is not yet in place for Torbay’s local authority footprint.

Is the assessment fully virtual?

Yes, we have been informed that all assessments will take place online, so it will be important to have access to a desktop computer/ laptop or large iPad with a working camera. At this stage the private providers have informed us that they offer some evening and weekend appointments online too.

What if I need to change mine/ my child’s appointment?

All appointments are arranged directly with the private provider, so we ask that you please liaise directly with them.

What happens if my child will not attend their appointment?

Please let the provider know, ideally with 48 hours’ notice, otherwise we may still be charged for the assessment. If you do experience any problems on the day, please contact the provider directly.

What will happen after my child’s assessment is complete, we have received the outcome, and the final report is written?

A copy of the report will be sent to you and the Child’s GP. CFHD will also receive a copy and will upload the assessment to our NHS system. You can request that the private provider also sends a copy to the child’s school if you would like to.

What support will be available to my child after their assessment with a private provider?

We are providing a comprehensive Southwest guide for families, this will be shared with the assessment report from the private providers, alongside their individual recommendations. We are also about to launch some specific neurodiversity workshops for families and professionals which will be shared on our website and social media channels. These workshops have been co-produced with families and professionals and will cover a range of topics.

My child has been waiting a long time, why hasn’t my child been offered a private assessment?

The private assessments are all completed online and so, for the best clinical outcomes the private providers will adhere to the below criteria:

Eligibility criteria for online assessments

For an online assessment to be suitable, children must:

Be aged 9 years or older, or 13 years or older if diagnosed with or suspected ADHD
Be able to engage in an interactive session for up to 45 minutes
Have fluent speech (no phrased speech)
Speak fluent English
Have access to the required technology- this includes a laptop/desktop or large iPad- phones unfortunately don’t have large enough screens.

Exclusion criteria

The online assessment model is generally not suitable for children with:

Moderate to severe learning difficulties (or suspected)
Selective mutism
Global developmental delay
Hearing or visual difficulties that may interfere with engagement in a video call
Specific language needs

Children recommended to remain with CFHD

To avoid inconclusive assessments, we recommend that the following children remain with CFHD:

Looked After Children or those subject to interim care orders
Children with known safeguarding concerns
Children presenting with significant complexities or co-morbidities
Families requesting a face-to-face observation

If an online assessment with a private provider is not suitable for my child, will we be waiting longer?

We would also like to reassure you that if you do not receive a phone call or letter about your child being offered an assessment with a private provider or another NHS trust, this does not mean that your child will be waiting longer. Our aim is to work collaboratively across the system to reduce waiting times and ensure that every child receives an assessment as soon as possible.

My child has received a letter to state that they will be having their assessment with University Hospital Plymouth (UHP) NHS trust, what does this mean?

We are currently working collaboratively across Devon/Plymouth NHS trusts to ensure that children are assessed as quickly as possible, because of this we have commissioned University Hospital Plymouth (UHP) to complete some of the assessments for children living in West Devon, closest to UHP. You will receive a letter if you are being transferred to UHP. This transfer will only happen if transferring your child will mean that they will receive an assessment quicker with UHP than with CFHD.

I still have some questions- who can I talk to?

Please email or call us and we will be in touch as quickly as we can:
Tel: 01803 222454
Email: cfhd.neuroproject@nhs.net