• Replies 20 replies
  • Subscribers 90 subscribers
  • Views 4402 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Has anyone recently been through the diagnosis process in the UK?

Iain G

Trying to find info & first hand experiences.. 

Particularly interested in what criteria they are currently using.. is it DSM V and/or the ICD 10?

For context, I am exploring the possibility of pursuing a diagnosis... 

I approached my GP a couple of years ago and was sent for an initial assessment, which decided that they wouldn't send me for the full assessment.

Now, after quite a bit more reading and researching, I am realizing a number of things:

The field of autism is still 'in process'/undecided/unknown what is/isn't. Diagnostic criteria & the diagnoses themselves have shifted significantly within the past 50, even 10 or 20 years.

I have a cluster of traits which seem highly correlated with autism. 

Based on my (non-professional, and hence flawed), 'self-diagnosis', according to DSM IV, I would not qualify for ASD, but may qualify for Asperger's or PDD-NOS,

According to DSM V, I probably wouldn't qualify (may not meet criteria for restrictive/repetitive behaviors), but may meet criteria for 'social communication disorder'

According to  ICD-10 I may meet criteria for some development disorder. E.g: aspergers/social communication disorder/PDD-NOS..

In other words, in terms of brain-wiring, I seem to be on the 'milder' end of the spectrum. ie: it seems certain to me that my brain is wired in some non-typical way, which is similar to people  with aspergers/autism. 

The question of what diagnosis I might meet is important & confusing at the same time - particularly when the whole field is still in process... It feels like splitting hairs and based on the initial assessment I'm not totally optimistic that the assessors were totally up to date/aware of everything that I've found while reading etc. over the past year or two. Added to this confusion is the subjectivity of all of it - how different doctors might come up with different diagnoses at different times. 

Confusing! 

Any experiences/thoughts welcome.

Thanks,

Iain

Parents

  • My diagnosis was done mid 2020.

    I was initially assessed by my GP with the AQ10 test which indicated I should be referred.

    In the referral they conducted a 'relative questionnaire' with my farther. I was also interviewed as was my farther. According to the report they referenced the diagnostic criteria used at 'Cambridge Lifespan Asperger Syndrome Service.' They also performed an ADOS-2 test. In the end they referenced my symptoms as being consistent with DSM-5 (autism spectrum disorder).

    So yes probably DSM-5. At least where I live.

  • in reply to Peter

    Hi Peter,

    I hope you don't mind me asking, would you be able to tell me what to expect from the Ados-2 test please? I've been given a list of random objects to collect and bring to the virtual appointment and frankly I'm terrified.

    Best wishes,

    Louise 

  • in reply to Louise

    Hi,

    I did the Ados-2 test a couple of weeks ago. honestly, I didn't find it a fun experience. they made me look at a book with no words just pictures and I had to try and tell them what was happening in the book. they then gave me a picture which I had to describe. then there were a lot of questions which were just basic questions about emotions and stuff and then I was given a bunch of objects which I was supposed to use to create a story. it lasted about an hour. 

  • in reply to piggy1401

    Thanks Piggy, I think I will find that fairly traumatic then.  Which makes me wonder, would a neurotypical person be filled with dread at the idea of thinking up a story on the spot?

Reply Children
No Data