Hi there,
I’m new to the community so I’ll introduce myself. I am a 28 year old female, I’m really into video games and I love nature/animals (dogs are my favourite).
I fairly recently started seeing a new therapist who helped me to see that I have many autistic traits. I always new I was different and when I started researching autism it felt like something clicked.
So, I’m now beginning the journey of trying to get a diagnosis. I found the nhs adult assessment pathway very easy to get a referral (I know others have had different experiences of this). However, there is another approx 15 months of being on the waiting list before any assessment begins.
I looked at other options and have managed to secure 3rd party funding (through my employers insurance scheme) for a private assessment.
I never thought my employer would be able to fund this so would really recommend anyone struggling to access an assessment to ask their employer (if they’re comfortable doing so).
We have narrowed it down to 2 potential providers (both deal with nhs referrals and have the relevant qualifications/accreditations) and it will be for me to decide which to use. I hate making decisions so have drawn up a points-based spreadsheet to decide.
Current categories I’m using to compare the 2 providers are: waiting list/waiting time for an assessment, responsiveness to queries, experience in adult women, location (including distance and parking), academic knowledge, and online presence.
What would other people consider when selecting a provider?
