NI Diagnostic Special Interest Group ASD*
Position Statement
Private Diagnosis
Statement
The members of the NI Diagnostic Special Interest Group are committed
to the development and enhancement of localised multidisciplinary diagnostic
clinics and do not advocate private diagnosis as an alternative. Private
diagnosis does not speed up access to services. However, the Group understands
parents’ need for urgent answers at a vulnerable time and therefore
submit the following criteria to provide some guidance and protection
for those parents who wish to engage a private diagnostician:-
Criteria
Ensure the practitioner:
1. Is accredited with their professional body e.g. chartered and registered.
2. Has the relevant current/up to date specialist work experience in this field (multi-disciplinary assessment and diagnosis within Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
3. Has completed specialist training in the diagnosis of ASD e.g. Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) and/or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R).
4. Provides prospective families/clients with references both from local professional colleagues and from families who have already received such an assessment/diagnosis for their child.
5. Informs the family’s local community pediatrician of their involvement with the family (Ref: Educational Psychologists employed by the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) are legally obliged to consult with another psychologist (private or otherwise) if said psychologist has knowledge of a child whom they are providing Advice for Formal Assessment (para 8(2) Education (Special Educational Needs Regulations NI 1997). It is also good practice for ELB psychologists to similarly consult with regard to a child who is being assessed at Stage 3 of the Code of Practice).
6. Actively secures pre-diagnostic reports from multi-disciplinary colleagues and observes the child in a variety of settings.
7. Provides the family with clear written and verbal information. The final written assessment should be provided within 8 – 10 weeks of the final assessment visit.
8. Provides the local community pediatrician with a follow up report (See ref under point 5 above).
9. Provides a follow up visit within 8 – 10 weeks of the diagnosis to provide an opportunity for families to ask questions.
10. Makes available accurate information about access to local services (statutory and voluntary).
* The NI Diagnostic Special Interest Group (ASD) is a regional membership
body for ASD professionals involved in multi-disciplinary assessment and
diagnosis. The group receives administrative support from Autism NI (PAPA).
May 2006
