Diagnosis

Hi everyone, I hope this is the right thread.

I've thought for a few years now that I might be autistic, and I did go to the doctor. All they did was give me a paper screening test which I don't think works due to how diverse the spectrum is...I have heard a few times that they're not supposed to do that and that they should refer you on to the specialists.

I'm going to the doctor again tomorrow because I'm really struggling but I'm terrified that they'll just give me this paper test again :(

Has anyone else had this?

ItsMyMind over 5 years ago in reply to Guinea pig

Fantastic!!!
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Guinea pig over 5 years ago

I have a referral. He didn't screen me. I gave him the list that I made, we had a chat, and he was happy to put the referral in for me.
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Invisiblewoman over 5 years ago in reply to Guinea pig

www.iow.nhs.uk/.../autism--aspergers.htm

I hope it goes well for you at this appointment.

A quick search on Google showed that there is an adult assessment service. It does seem to happen sometimes that assessment services have long waiting lists and try to avoid taking on referrals. But they should see you if you fit the criteria for assessment.
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Guinea pig over 5 years ago

Thank you :) I'm going this afternoon and will take some things written down to help me explain. I'm seeing a doctor that I know will listen to me. One of my friends did say that they might be using the AQ10 to try and avoid referring because they don't think there's anyone to refer to on the Isle of Wight
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Niemand over 5 years ago
A lot of GPs are dismissive about this. Ask either for a second opinion or a specialist.
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Invisiblewoman over 5 years ago

There is a short test that the NICE guidelines for autism assessment suggest, called the AQ10. It's only for screening, not for diagnosis. You don't have to score 10/10 to get a referral and the GP should take into account other things that you think might be relevant like developmental history, mental health difficulties, and social and occupational issues.

Different assessment teams will have different requirements for referral so it will differ depending on where you live. I think some teams are more picky than others about referral paperwork and thresholds for starting the assessment process.
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ItsMyMind over 5 years ago

Sorry - I haven’t experienced this but if you get the brush off from your GP you can contact your local clinical commissioning group (CCG) and als to speak to the commissioner who oversees the pathway for adult ASD assessments to get advice on the process

Things have moved on in the NHS in the last few years with Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) and your GP may be following a different approach now.

I went to my GP with everything I wanted to say written down so it wouldn’t get jammed up coming out.

hope things go well tomorrow x
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