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Pursuing a formal diagnosis?

Faye

Hello. I am a 24 year old female, and I'm doing teacher training. I am pretty confident that I am autistic - I read the flying under the radar paper about autism in girls and it was like reading a biography. I have identified as autistic for a couple of years now following a conversation with a specialist teacher who works with a lot of autistic children which helped me see just how many of the traits I have. I do struggle with my mental health and social connections. I'm just wondering if it is worth pursuing a formal diagnosis at this point or if actually it wouldn't change anything? And if I do want to go down that route, would I contact my GP or what?

Thanks for you help :) 

  • Formal Diagnosis, is a hot potato in these parts.

    however for IMO I believe if the diagnosing criteria is produced by medical professionals, then the interpretation of said criteria should also be done by medical professionals. 

    that being said, if you can read and you see that something fits then it’s reasonable to suggest you are on the right path. 

    I believe self identifying anything medical and not following that up with formal assessment is a recipe for uncertainty.

  • I can't remember who posted it on here but apparently the NHS can be a bit dismissive or can refuse to go through the process if you don't have a medical/mental health need.  I don't know how true that is.  I have sent a letter to the GP but I don't know what happened despite contacting them many times but I am a bit reluctant to chase it now.

  • in reply to Faye

    Thanks, likewise for you :) Definitely sympathise re. the masking - for example, it's only since I've been working at home I've realised how much I hated eye contact in meetings, and how much easier they are now! Good luck with your diagnosis journey! 

  • in reply to Cyril's Dad

    Thanks Harry, that does help. I feel like I have been masking for so long so I guess a formal diagnosis may give me more confidence to be myself. Hope the waiting list isn't too long for you

  • Hey,

    I was debating getting a diagnosis a few months ago and one of my friends in work, who happens to be an autistic woman, was so helpful with giving me some reasons why it would be helpful and how to go about it. 

    For me, the reasons I decided to pursue a formal diagnosis were:

    • knowing myself better - somehow it would be helpful to have a label for myself, to know why I've always felt sort of different to people around me 
    • getting specialist support for my mental health, which works for someone with differences in the way they process and communicate emotions 
    • being able to access reasonable adjustments in the workplace, which I really need as I struggle with some tasks due to sensory difficulties but currently am dependent on having an understanding manager who will support me to work in a sensory-friendly way 

    The last one might be particularly helpful for you too, as then when you have completed your training and are looking for jobs, you'll be able to access proper support from your employer. 

    To get a diagnosis, you go to your GP and they refer you to the adult autism team in your area. You then have to wait to be called for an assessment - I'm currently on the waiting list. 

    Hope that helps,

    Harry