Does anyone know if a relative questionnaire (RQ form) is compulsory for autism diagnosis, or have successfully navigated a diagnosis without it?
I recently self-referred to Tower Hamlets Autism Service (East London NHS Foundation Trust) and although their response was rapid they insisted I have a parent complete ‘The Relatives Questionnaire’ form in order to be processed. I was given 3 forms; 'The Cambridge behaviour scale' / 'The AQ' / ‘The Relatives Questionnaire' the first two I completed in full. For various reasons I was reluctant the 'out myself' beyond the recognised doctor-patient confidentiality so declined to give the diagnosis team the RQ form and going as far as stating I saw it as a breach of my fundamental "human right to privacy" (Human Rights Act article 8). I subsequently received the below email closing my application for diagnosis without any further discussion and discharging me into my GP's care despite my self-referral.
I'm considering contacting my GP to request a second opinion referral to an alternative autism service who don't insist on compulsory RQ form. But it would be great to know if this is a universal requirement or if others have received a diagnosis without it?
I know it's not hard evidence but the 2018 "Are You Autistic?" programme on Channel 4 filmed two people getting diagnosis both of whom got it in person with no seeming need for a relatives input.
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