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Support but no diagnosis?

AJ

So, I had a support call today from the centre that has been dealing with my referral, and I have got the impression that although they recognise my autistic traits and are willing to support me with them, it doesn't seem like they actually want to put me forward for a formal diagnosis.

I explained my reasoning for why I want a diagnosis, and they said they will discuss it with the team and get back to me, but they did really seem like they were trying to put me off or tell me I didn't need it (without explicitly saying that).

The whole process has been really frustrating so far and I kind of feel like I'm getting nowhere. I've wondered for so long what makes me different, often feeling like I'm broken and struggling to fit in for reasons I can't fathom.

I get really bad anxiety from not knowing things, and getting half an answer but no definitive result about something so intinsic to me very being is frustrating beyond belief.

Is this a common issue with adults seeking diagnosis? Do I need to try and accept that I may never know for sure or should I keep pushing?

  • in reply to moon

    Ah, that makes sense. Yeah, I'm not too worried about the support available afterwards because I know it's pretty sparse. I'm sure I'd be able to find the support if and when I did need it, but I'd definitely not feel comfortable trying to access it without an official diagnosis.

  • in reply to AJ

    I've had a pre-assessment and have the formal assessment scheduled for September.

    After pre-assessment I was asked if I really wanted to go ahead with the formal assessment given there would be little real support available to me other than some workplace support (not relevant for me).

    She quite happily accepted that I just wanted to know for sure, and booked me in.

  • in reply to Blue

    Thanks, I would understand if that was the case but no other conditions have been mentioned, apart from in my initial assessment we discussed my previous clinical depression diagnosis from roughly 15 years ago. Nothing else has even been brought up during the two conversations I've had over the phone with them (we've never met in person, or even on video).

    I guess they might not think it's worth it because I've been doing okay. I'm in a good place with work right now, in a stable relationship, no intentions to go back into education. Most of the issues I've had are in the past for now at least, but who knows what the future will bring.

  • in reply to BassFace

    Thank you, I did reiterate to them that I felt that a diagnosis would be beneficial for me and my mental health, so hopefully they will come back to me soon saying that the team has agreed...

  • They might not be willing to perform a formal diagnosis until they have ruled out something like complex post traumatic stress disorder which can look and be interpreted as autism, even if you had complex post traumatic stress disorder the support is very similar to the support they would give you if you had a autism diagnosis if you have average or above intelligence.

    Autism services have had a massive influx of referrals and the stats available online are showing that at least 20% of those who go through the diagnosis process have had complex post traumatic stress disorder , ADHD or other mental health condition without autism. A whopping 13% of those who went through the diagnosis process where faking because of misconception of what you get on benefits being autistic.

    Yes keep pursuing it, if you have had issues with holding down a job or chronic issues in education and maintaining relationships that piece of paper can help get you access to specific support.    

  • That is strange, they should put you on a waiting list if they agree that you have autistic traits and you have stated a wish to get a formal assessment. I would keep asking.