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Advice on getting a late diagnosis?

MB91

Hi all,

I was wondering if anybody has any advice on getting a late diagnosis? 

I was told by the family doctor at age 12 that I was most likely autistic and it was suggested my mother take me to have another assement, unfortunately I was already at this stage quite perturbed by doctors and other professionals in general and outright refused as I had seen many throughout the years and had decided myself to just act "normal" and attempt to mask my behaviours. 

I have only been to see a doctor a handful of times since then and have never mentioned anything to do with my mental health or the difficulties I face day to day.

I am now 27 years old and feel as though I may benefit from having my condition diagnosed but over the years have developed an almost fear-like response where doctors are concerned. 

My question is, how do I raise this subject with my doctor? or can I arrange to see a psychologist myself?

Note: I cant afford to go private as I don't currently work

Sorry for the long winded post & Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Parents

  • Hi,

    Firstly please stick with it as the diagnosis is worth getting (with out it you will still have the problems but can't prove why)

    My own struggle was long and that was with a supportive but ill informed G.P.

    I became very familiar with N.I.C.E guidelines and with the N.H.S trust commissioners   (sufficient to say that autism was the only condition where the waiting time for diagnosis was over 10 times the maximum expected by N.I.C.E)

    Do mention it to your GP who should then  administer an AQ10 the first step listed by N.I.C.E in getting a diagnosis.

    Then you should have to complete an A.Q 50 used as screen to see who needs to have a full assessment, then you wait for the face to face assessment..

    Make N.I.C.E your friend quote it to your G.P and if necessary complain. You have rights and don't be afraid to use them.

    I wish I could say it will be a quick and easy path but the odds are that it will be a lengthy struggle but well worth it. A diagnosis really helps.

    a simple practical piece of advice would be to find an online self test version of the AQ 10 and AQ 50 it will mean the questions don't surprise you and give you a rough indication for your own piece of mind that it is a battle worth fighting. (be ruthlessly honesty when answering don't base answers on what you can do on a good day or if you really struggle)

    You mention other mental health problems and your diagnosis is critical if you are not to be steered down unhelpful and even harmful paths.

    The problem is that many think because you have masked in the past the you can continue to do so ignoring the fact that the masking is causing you harm and this harm will only get worse.

    I wish you every success and can say that while no magic bullet a diagnosis is a starting point to understanding your self and how to stop fighting and learning to live with and even celebrate your differences.

    All the best Dave..

Reply

  • Hi,

    Firstly please stick with it as the diagnosis is worth getting (with out it you will still have the problems but can't prove why)

    My own struggle was long and that was with a supportive but ill informed G.P.

    I became very familiar with N.I.C.E guidelines and with the N.H.S trust commissioners   (sufficient to say that autism was the only condition where the waiting time for diagnosis was over 10 times the maximum expected by N.I.C.E)

    Do mention it to your GP who should then  administer an AQ10 the first step listed by N.I.C.E in getting a diagnosis.

    Then you should have to complete an A.Q 50 used as screen to see who needs to have a full assessment, then you wait for the face to face assessment..

    Make N.I.C.E your friend quote it to your G.P and if necessary complain. You have rights and don't be afraid to use them.

    I wish I could say it will be a quick and easy path but the odds are that it will be a lengthy struggle but well worth it. A diagnosis really helps.

    a simple practical piece of advice would be to find an online self test version of the AQ 10 and AQ 50 it will mean the questions don't surprise you and give you a rough indication for your own piece of mind that it is a battle worth fighting. (be ruthlessly honesty when answering don't base answers on what you can do on a good day or if you really struggle)

    You mention other mental health problems and your diagnosis is critical if you are not to be steered down unhelpful and even harmful paths.

    The problem is that many think because you have masked in the past the you can continue to do so ignoring the fact that the masking is causing you harm and this harm will only get worse.

    I wish you every success and can say that while no magic bullet a diagnosis is a starting point to understanding your self and how to stop fighting and learning to live with and even celebrate your differences.

    All the best Dave..

Children
  • in reply to D.J.P

    hi thanks for your reply,

    I understand its a long process but fully intend to wait it out until I get a diagnosis either way and if it turns out that it isnt what I beleive to to be then hopefully I can get the help I need to find out. 

    I myself have thought that if I have dealt with being this way my whole life what difference will it make and this is one of the reasons I havnt followed through with the diagnosis before now. Its hard to explain but I feel as though something has 'clicked' and I now have the drive to push this if I need to. I know that knowing wont solve any problems but I now feel as though it will benefit me greatly as even just reading through some of the threads on here and finding people I can relate to already has helped me feel more comfortable, for want of a better word. 

    Thankyou again for your advice