Advice

Hi I'm just after some advice, I've been told by several friends and my child's help that I should test for autism as I show signs of it, I have been diagnosed with various mental health issues as it is and my Dr seems reluctant to let me do this, as its been at least 6mth since I asked for one and all I got was is I'm 50 so is it worth it? Can't you go private and nothing since. I don't like to be pushy and ask them again and again but after doing the NAS teenage training for my daughter and seeing several programs with adults with ASD I'm beginning to think that there's a good chance I have it.

I'm wondering what to do next if my GP doesn't let me go forward as I can't afford private and I feel it would help with my problems. I'm not under any MH services as I've been told as I refuse to do CBT the way they want I'm being awkward by RDASH Rotherham and the won't see me , even though I've explained I don't learn or think like the way they want it done. PALS also from my view took Rdash's side and wouldn't listen to anything I said. 

I'm very angry about it all as its already been a nightmare getting my daughter help from 5 to now (12) as they've used every excuse possible at Cahms and the council to block us

So any advice would be mega welcomed

Tony

  • That's not right that your doctor won't refer you and i know its hard and I would be hesitant to do it but you do need to push them.  Make a list of why you think you are Autistic, even print it out and give it to them, they should then refer you.

  • Hi Tony, sorry to hear you have had a tough time in all this. Many people on our community come to learn of thier diagnosis late in life so don't let age stop you if you want to persue diagnosis Slight smile

    Anyways - here are some links that you might find helpful:

    You may like to look at our information about autism spectrum disorders: 

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism If you were interested in finding out if you are on the autism spectrum, you would need to have a formal diagnostic assessment. You may find it useful to have a look at the following link for further information about diagnosis and the benefits of getting one: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis

    Furthermore, it is important the professional you see has experience of autism spectrum disorders. You can find details of diagnostic services on our Autism Services Directory in the Assessment and diagnosis section: https://www.autism.org.uk/directory 

    Not sure if you have done this yet but the AQ test was developed by a team of psychologists to measure autistic traits in adults. It's not a means of diagnosis but may indicate the need for further assessment. These online 'autism tests' do not guarantee accuracy, and while they are no replacement for official diagnosis, if the results are significant, it's worth taking it along to the GP. 

    Hope you find those useful!

    All the best,

    SarahMod