How do I get my 19 year old son diagnosed?

Hi Rachel

I had a private diagnosis a few years ago - it's just a case of googling the best person in your area and then getting your GP to refer you.       Is your son on board?   It's difficult if he's in denial.

You must make sure they provide a full diagnosis (not just an assessment) that is DWP and NHS accepted in case you want to claim any benefits in future - it makes things easier..

If you work and have private health insurance, it may be covered - worth checking first - mine was covered as a diagnostic procedure..

Expect to pay anywhere between about £800 to £2k.(according to recent threads on here).

See if anyone else can add anything on this forum.

Hi Plastic :) 

Thanks for replying! My son is fully on board with it, He has picked up on all the things I have over the years, and he was the one who said he thought he needed a diagnosis. I am an ex-teacher (primary), so I have some experience of kids on the spectrum, so that's how I knew. I just haven't had any dealings with adult diagnosis hence my question. 

Going away to uni has really being a struggle for him, and he struggled with anxiety terribly.  So I would ideally like the diagnosis done asap so he can get some support when he goes back for his 2nd year. I will get googling and see who I can find locally. 

Unfortunately, I'm not working at the moment as I have been quite poorly for a few years, so I don't have private insurance: so I will be paying for it. So fingers crossed it's nearer the £800 than the £2k!! 

Thanks again for your help 

Rachel 

Hi Plastic :) 

Thanks for replying! My son is fully on board with it, He has picked up on all the things I have over the years, and he was the one who said he thought he needed a diagnosis. I am an ex-teacher (primary), so I have some experience of kids on the spectrum, so that's how I knew. I just haven't had any dealings with adult diagnosis hence my question. 

Going away to uni has really being a struggle for him, and he struggled with anxiety terribly.  So I would ideally like the diagnosis done asap so he can get some support when he goes back for his 2nd year. I will get googling and see who I can find locally. 

Unfortunately, I'm not working at the moment as I have been quite poorly for a few years, so I don't have private insurance: so I will be paying for it. So fingers crossed it's nearer the £800 than the £2k!! 

Thanks again for your help 

Rachel 

You're welcome.

My diagnosis took the form of a relaxed chat where the assessor went through all the normal questions in the form of a pleasant conversation - he really knew his stuff - the report mentioned "clearly has Asperger's" many times - I'm very obvious.

Good luck with your future.