Which Specialists Can Support Your EHCP — and How to Find One

One of the questions parents ask most often during the EHCP process is whether they need a private assessment — and if so, which type of specialist to see. The short answer is: a private report is not required, but it can make a significant difference to the outcome.

This guide explains what each type of specialist can contribute, when their involvement is most valuable, and how to find one. It is part of our complete EHCP guide — start from the beginning with What is an EHCP? or read about the assessment process and timeline first.

Why Private Assessments Matter

During an EHC needs assessment, the local authority will gather evidence from school, health services, and other professionals. They will usually arrange for their own educational psychologist to carry out an assessment — but this is often a brief session, sometimes less than two hours, conducted under significant time pressure. A private specialist you commission can spend more time with your child, carry out a fuller range of standardised assessments, produce a report that specifically addresses the EHCP criteria and Section F provision, and provide an independent professional view if you are challenging a refusal. The key point: the local authority must take any evidence you submit into account.

Educational Psychologists

An educational psychologist (EP) assesses how a child thinks, learns, and processes information. Their report is one of the most influential documents in an EHCP — the local authority’s own assessment always involves an EP, and a private EP report carries equivalent weight. An EP assessment covers: cognitive ability and learning profile; memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function; literacy and numeracy skills; social, emotional, and mental health needs; and recommendations for educational provision, directly relevant to Section F of the EHCP.

Commission one if your child has a complex learning profile, if you are in dispute about the level of provision, or if the authority’s own EP assessment was too brief. Educational psychologists must be registered with the HCPC and are typically also chartered by the BPS. Find a verified educational psychologist near you →

Speech and Language Therapists

A speech and language therapist (SLT) assesses how a child communicates — including understanding language, using language to express themselves, social communication, and any difficulties with the physical processes of speech. An SLT report covers: receptive and expressive language skills; social communication and pragmatics (particularly relevant for autistic children); speech sound production and fluency; literacy and its relationship to language; and recommendations for therapeutic support and classroom adjustments.

An SLT report is valuable if your child has any speech, language, or communication needs — including autism-related social communication difficulties. Speech and language therapists must be registered with the HCPC and are usually members of RCSLT. Find a verified speech and language therapist near you →

Occupational Therapists

An occupational therapist (OT) assesses how a child manages everyday activities essential for learning and participating in school — including fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and the ability to sit and attend in a classroom. An OT report covers: fine and gross motor skill development; sensory processing and how the child responds to movement, touch, and noise; handwriting and pencil grip; organisation and planning; and recommendations for adaptations, equipment, and support in school.

Particularly relevant for children with dyspraxia, autism, ADHD, or conditions affecting motor development. OTs must be registered with the HCPC and are typically members of RCOT. Find a verified occupational therapist near you →

Specialist Autism Assessors

If your child does not yet have an autism diagnosis and you believe they may be autistic, a private autism assessment can be an important step both for the EHCP process and for your child’s broader support. A formal autism diagnosis provides a recognised framework for describing your child’s needs and often makes it easier for schools to understand and accommodate them. An autism assessment involves a structured diagnostic interview with parents, direct observation and assessment of the child, standardised tools such as the ADOS-2, and a written diagnostic report with recommendations. Find a verified autism assessor near you →

ADHD Assessors

An ADHD assessment can similarly support an EHCP application by providing diagnostic clarity and specific recommendations for how the school should support your child. It covers a clinical interview and developmental history, standardised measures of attention and hyperactivity, assessment of co-occurring conditions, and recommendations for school, home, and — where appropriate — medication. Find a verified ADHD assessor near you →

What to Ask For When Commissioning a Report

When you contact a specialist, tell them you are in the EHCP process, what you need the report to address — ask specifically for recommendations for Section F provision (the educational support) — and the timeline you are working to. A good specialist will understand the EHCP framework and write their report in a way that is directly useful to the process. All specialists on The SEND List are checked against HCPC, BPS, RCSLT, or RCOT registration.

Browse verified SEND specialists on The SEND List →

Summary

• Private specialist reports are not required for an EHCP but can significantly strengthen your application
• Educational psychologists assess learning profiles and make direct Section F recommendations
• Speech and language therapists assess communication needs, including autism-related social communication
• Occupational therapists assess sensory, motor, and self-care needs that affect learning
• Autism and ADHD assessors provide diagnostic clarity and recommendations for school support
• Ask specifically for Section F recommendations when commissioning any report

Next in this series: The EHCP Annual Review →

Previous in this series: ← If Your EHCP Request is Refused

This guide is for informational purposes only. For specific advice about your child’s needs, always consult a qualified professional.

Ready to find a specialist? Search verified SEND professionals on The SEND List →