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Disadvantages of getting and autism diagnosis

NAS74114

Hi I think I may be autistic and am considering trying to get a diagnosis, but I am worried about the negative implications there might be for getting a positive diagnosis and wondering how i might be able to avoid them.

I've read that in some cases it might be harder or more expensive to get insurance and that is something I would really rather avoid.

Another really big concern is that if i were ever to separate from my partner it could impact the custody of my child, right now i am very much the primary parent. 

I can potentially self fund the diagnosis so it wouldn't necessarily need to be in my nhs records, but it is something I would want to be fairly open and honest about and not keep secret. 

Parents

  • here is how to go about a diagnosis 

    If you're in the UK you have two options. You can either go the NHS route or the private route. Both have pros and cons. The NHS route is free but takes longer, anywhere between 1 and 4 years, is common, though around 2 years seems to be the average. The private route is faster, mere months usually, but very expensive. So your financial situation will probably dictate which you route you go down. If you go private, check out the resources on this site for suitable, local private assessment centres. If you go the NHS route you'll need to speak to your doctor and ask to be referred for an ASD assessment. Make sure you're prepared before speaking to him; download the AQ10 and/or AQ50 test, fill it out and score it. That will give you an indication of whether you are on the spectrum, then take it with you when you see the doctor, because that will preempt him giving it to you and telling you to go away and fill it in for him! Also, it's a good idea to list the traits of autism and how you fit them, giving an example of how each one affects you in your day to day life, and share this with the doctor too. If he agrees that you might be on the spectrum, he'll refer you for assessment. Eventually you'll receive a letter telling you whether you've been accepted for assessment or not. Once accepted (because hopefully, your doctor will have supplied enough evidence to persuade them), you'll be put on the waiting list and then it's just a case of waiting until they send you an appointment. Again, it's a good idea to spend this time making notes, recalling specific instances when you struggled in any aspect, from a early as you can remember. Talk to your family, and see what they remember. You'll probably be asked to take someone with you to the assessment who knew you well as a young child (usually a parent or a sibling) but don't worry if there is no one, they'll still be able to assess you. And no, they won't say you're crazy. More and more people are getting diagnosed later in life, having slipped through the net during childhood. Just make sure you're well prepared for your doctors appointment. Good luck!

     

    From JustMe

  • in reply to aidie

    I'm sure will be totally happy that you're talking on their behalf now.

  • in reply to Plastic

    yes they are can u stop trolling me again

  • in reply to Plastic

    Comments in this thread are breaking Community Rule 4, which states .'Be nice to one another and enjoy chatting with others. We encourage conversation and respectful debate; please be aware that individuals may give opinions which are not shared by other members. Insulting posts or comments making personal jibes will not be tolerated.'  If this continues we will be forced to lock the thread which is unfair to the others who are taking part.

    Kerri-Mod

  • in reply to aidie
    aidie said:
    the 2 trolls are together

    No - it's just the stench of hypocrisy is getting a bit rich so that more than one person gets offended.

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