hi,
for the last 5 years I have exploring the research and testimonials about women on the Austin spectrum.
In September after significant mental health issues and talking to my GP about a number of challenges I face, my GP has said she is happy to refer me to diagnostic services, however this is not currently feasible as the services in my local area closed in July 2017 ( the council web pages state these were a temporary service that will soon be replaced, there is no information about what or when will replace this, and they have ignored my enquiry sent early this year.
Im wondering if there is any advice, having read the NICE guidance my interpretation is that if the case has been made and gp agreed to an assessment, I should be put on a waiting list or referee on, If I could afford it I would go down a private route, but I can’t. I would be grateful for advice eg can I make a case for a referral to a neighbouring area that has a diagnostic service, or is there a duty of care to refer me to one if the local private clinics.
In terms of symptoms I have a a number of sensory challenges, certain lights sounds and smells can be overwhelming and cause distress, textures are important for food and drink. While I can interact very well mos of the time it can be exhausting and leave me drained, I’m constantly watching and analysing what others do and me responses, I have to think hard to understand certain types of humour (I’m very literal, if it’s someone I know really well or in a group I can work out there is humour and then logically work my way through to the joke they are taking). I spend a lot of timing working though conversations and interactions with other people and with events, and seeing different lines of possibilities, which prepares me for alternate outcomes and change, makes me good at elements of project management as I can map out what happens, although has led to difficulties when my plans are disrupted by others (I have a range of methods to deal with this). There are certain issues with interactions that have come up, mostly I’m able to mimic/mask these, but recently when I had I line manager change resulted in bullying and subsequent loss of job (am now employed again).
Im looking for an assessment to understand if autism is the root of my differences, or to know to look at something else instead, particularly as there is impact on my mental health (am medicated and under review, but this just helps with some of the anxiety symptoms, not the root of issues).
Anyway grateful for any advice on options around diagnosis referral 0, in a system where my gp is supportive but my local area doesn’t provision this would be really appreciated.
thanks for your time