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Beginning the diagnosis process

Midlands Monkey
over 3 years ago

Hi

I spoke to a GP last week through my work health cover and obtained a referral letter to speak to a psychiatrist. Today I spoke to a case worker and will have a conversation with a mental health specialist on Sunday, which will initially be a Q&A session before confirming next steps. The organisation handling this is called CBT Clinics, although looking at their website they do more than just CBT (it may just be a name).

Can others share their experience of beginning the autism diagnosis process as an adult? Is it normal to speak to a mental health professional and do a verbal questionnaire before confirming which route to take? Has anybody else done this privately (such as through a private health cover) as I have? Have you used or heard of CBT Clinics? Sorry, lots of questions. My priority is to obtain a diagnosis.

  • over 3 years ago in reply to Oscie

    Hi. Any reason why you'd prefer to go NHS route despite experiencing the private road?

  • over 3 years ago in reply to Warrior87

    You do not need to disclose your 'disability' unless your employer would need to make material changes to accommodate your condition. I never intend to formally inform my current or future employers in the event of a diagnosis.

  • over 3 years ago in reply to Oscie

    Hi Oscie,

    I was wondering for a long time whether I should try to get a diagnosis. 

    My initial incentive was wanting to participate in group activities offered by "Number 6" which is an autism service centre in Edinburgh. After contacting them, they informed me that it was only possible to come to them after having been formally diagnosed. 

    I eventually decided against it for the following reason. Following every job interview in my profession, you have to fill out a section and disclose every disability/disease that you have as well as whether you are currently (or have been in the last six months) under treatment by your GP and any specifics regarding the reason for that. 

    My fear is that having a formal diagnosis will oblige me to disclose being on the spectrum and that it could put me in a disadvantage when competing for a position. 

    What are your thoughts on that?

  • over 3 years ago in reply to Lorraine Mod

    Thank you so much for summarising everything in one place

  • over 3 years ago

    Hi Bennsky,

    Yes I have followed this route, it sounds typical. The early stages are for trained staff to assess whether you have a possible ASD or other mental health issue. They are important as it will determine which pathway is needed for you. Personally, I would always stay with NHS care for lots of reasons, even if it does seem to take forever Disappointed perhaps in your area it may not be a long wait, here in Cambridgeshire it's years.

  • over 3 years ago

    Hello Bennsky

    Welcome to the community. I have listed a couple of pointers below that you may find useful to assist you as well.

    You may like to look at our information about autism spectrum disorders:
    http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is.aspx

     

    If you were interested in finding out if you are on the autism spectrum, you would need to have a formal diagnostic assessment. You may find it useful to have a look at the following link for further information about diagnosis and the benefits of getting one:

    http://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosis.aspx 

     

    Furthermore, it is important the professional you see has experience of autism spectrum disorders. You can find details of diagnostic services on our Autism Services Directory in the Assessment and diagnosis section: http://www.autism.org.uk/directory.aspx

     

    You may like to have a look at the following page which includes personal accounts, which may help: http://www.autism.org.uk/about/adult-life/stories.aspx

     

    It might also be useful to pass on information about autism to health professionals when seeking a diagnosis. The following page includes information for a range of health professionals:
    https://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosis/professionals-involved.aspx

    You may like to contact our Autism Helpline team who can provide you with information and advice . You can contact the team via telephone on 0808 800 4104 (Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm, Friday 9am to 3pm). Please note that the Helpline is experiencing a high volume of calls and it may take a couple of attempts before you get through to speak to an advisor. Alternatively, should you prefer to send a message, you can do so via their webform:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/main/questions.aspx

    Best Wishes

    Lorraine Mod