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OMG Moment........

ST73

So I'm going to try and get this down in a coherent way, but that's easier said than done.

At the age of 47 I had a mental image - probably like many other of Autism, a crying child having a melt down due to sensory overload etc. but I'd never really thought about how an adult on the spectrum might think / feel.

One evening I found myself doing some research on youtube and google and a few videos in was one 25 questions to ask yourself........

It was like someone was reading my mind and picking the questions out just to make me feel uncomfortable, anyway I got 23/25 Slight smile

Now I feel relieved that I'm not the only person who thinks and feels like this, but also frustrated Ive been coping alone......

So now I'm trying to find out a bit more about getting diagnosed. The thought of going to the doctors or talking to one from the surgery on the phone is worrying to say the least - What if they dont believe me?!?!

I have Bupa through work so I'm not sure if i can use this to speed things up and skip the bits out Im worried about?

  • in reply to ST73

    If you have access to sufficient money (around £1,000), you can pay for a private assessment with no need to involve your GP. I think that we drew a blank with BUPA, which I have cover from. The private route is also far quicker and you can choose which clinician you want to do the assessment. Mine was done by a consultant psychiatrist who specialised in adult autism.

  • in reply to GuybrushThreepwood

    Thanks for your reply - This was the particular video -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXz9TpKGd5g&t=13s

    It's not really scientific, but the guy didn't annoy me Slight smile.

    I've done the aq50 and i got 44.

    I've also had a 26 year relationship / marriage and worked in IT for 20 years, 5 years at this job. 

    Emailing sounds like a good option! - I just need a bit of a kick up the backside!

  • in reply to GuybrushThreepwood
    GuybrushThreepwood said:
    I don’t think the NHS will be interested in seeing me as I’ve been married and in the same highly specialised job for over 10 years

    In my experience this does not impact getting an NHS assessment... but it probably does mean there is not much they can do to support you once diagnosed other than some assistance with the workplace.

  • Are you able to email your GP at all? Have you taken the AQ10 or AQ 50 online? Sending them evidence and a list of all the traits you identify with and things you struggle with (I believe that struggling/masking is part of the diagnostic criteria) can help if you have trouble talking to people face to face or on the phone. You can also print it and present that to them if they insist on seeing you in person before referral. I think with the private health insurance pathway you’ll have to see what is available in your area but I know some people on this forum have been diagnosed that way. Do you remember what the video was? I’d be interested in having a look myself, I’m also still in the research stage and sitting on the fence because I don’t think the NHS will be interested in seeing me as I’ve been married and in the same highly specialised job for over 10 years