GP “referral”

Hi there if you are autistic then it is important that any therapy you have takes this into account. Have you taken the AQ/EQ autism tests that are available free online here?

www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc_tests

The results will give you a good indication as to whether you are likely to be autistic. If this is the case you can speak to your GP and explain that you believe the underlying cause of your anxiety is autism. Take the test results with you and make some notes about how autism affects your daily life to share with your GP. 

To get an NHS assessment for autism you need to show that you experience significant difficulties. Here is an excerpt from the NICE guidelines explaining eligibility: 

Identification and initial assessment of possible autism

1.2.2 Consider assessment for possible autism when a person has:

one or more of the following:

persistent difficulties in social interaction

persistent difficulties in social communication

stereotypic (rigid and repetitive) behaviours, resistance to change or restricted interests, and

one or more of the following:

problems in obtaining or sustaining employment or education

difficulties in initiating or sustaining social relationships

previous or current contact with mental health or learning disability services

a history of a neurodevelopmental condition (including learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or mental disorder.

I was referred to IAPT by my GP for CBT based treatment for anxiety last year. I put my treatment on hold while I was being assessed for autism. Now I am diagnosed I have started working with IAPT. I have to do an online package called silvercloud before I can get face to face sessions with a therapist. The online package is reasonably useful and when activities don't make sense because I am autistic at least I can point this out. 

Good luck with everything! 

Hi there if you are autistic then it is important that any therapy you have takes this into account. Have you taken the AQ/EQ autism tests that are available free online here?

www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc_tests

The results will give you a good indication as to whether you are likely to be autistic. If this is the case you can speak to your GP and explain that you believe the underlying cause of your anxiety is autism. Take the test results with you and make some notes about how autism affects your daily life to share with your GP. 

To get an NHS assessment for autism you need to show that you experience significant difficulties. Here is an excerpt from the NICE guidelines explaining eligibility: 

Identification and initial assessment of possible autism

1.2.2 Consider assessment for possible autism when a person has:

one or more of the following:

persistent difficulties in social interaction

persistent difficulties in social communication

stereotypic (rigid and repetitive) behaviours, resistance to change or restricted interests, and

one or more of the following:

problems in obtaining or sustaining employment or education

difficulties in initiating or sustaining social relationships

previous or current contact with mental health or learning disability services

a history of a neurodevelopmental condition (including learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or mental disorder.

I was referred to IAPT by my GP for CBT based treatment for anxiety last year. I put my treatment on hold while I was being assessed for autism. Now I am diagnosed I have started working with IAPT. I have to do an online package called silvercloud before I can get face to face sessions with a therapist. The online package is reasonably useful and when activities don't make sense because I am autistic at least I can point this out. 

Good luck with everything!