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AQ 10

NAS80814

Hi all 

So bit of background, got two kids both diagnosed with autism, also have a 3rd who is showing signs and will be possibly be assessed relatively soon as well. 

I'm in my 40's now but have had issues with various things my whole life that was put down to depression, anxiety etc

More I look at them though the more I'm convinced it's autism on some scale

I spoke to the GP and reluctantly they gave me a AQ 10 test (I'm in Scotland, I'm not sure if this standard or not) 

I scored a 5, test has been handed back to the GP and I'm awaiting a call. 

My understanding is it's usually a 6 or above to highlight autism so I'm concerned I'm just going to get shut down on this, if this happens does anyone know of this could be disputed or if there's other avenues that can be taken 

I would really love to get some answers and some help and even though I'm in my forties I think it would still help me understand me a bit better. 

Thanks all

Parents

  • Hmm...  I suppose that, in the first instance at least, you could have a chat with your GP about the scoring and how reflective it is (or isn't).  I'm not a great fan of these pared-down questionnaires myself (likewise the PHQ09 and GAD07) because they grossly over-simplify things and I think that many would score differently on them each time they do them.  They're highly subjective and only an indication, after all.  The trouble is that many GPs seem to rely on them, although they should also be taking into account the whole consultation.  

    So...  How is this particular GP?  Would you find them easy to talk to about this and are they more generally supportive?  It may be that they listen and take into account the whole picture.  But if not, I'd be inclined to switch to another.  It's OK to ask for a second opinion, after all.  Or to discuss the fact that you're feeling doubtful about the reliability of the questionnaire and maybe whether there'd be any merit in doing the more detailed questionnaires (i remember doing a much longer one, plus an additional one which I think fed into some kind of empathy quotient).  Plus, given the genetic influences, this would surely increase the likelihood, of which NHS autism teams are perfectly well aware.  

    I'm sure there'll be other avenues beyond this, including taking the private route if that's an option, but maybe prepare a query list for that callback first of all?        

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  • Hmm...  I suppose that, in the first instance at least, you could have a chat with your GP about the scoring and how reflective it is (or isn't).  I'm not a great fan of these pared-down questionnaires myself (likewise the PHQ09 and GAD07) because they grossly over-simplify things and I think that many would score differently on them each time they do them.  They're highly subjective and only an indication, after all.  The trouble is that many GPs seem to rely on them, although they should also be taking into account the whole consultation.  

    So...  How is this particular GP?  Would you find them easy to talk to about this and are they more generally supportive?  It may be that they listen and take into account the whole picture.  But if not, I'd be inclined to switch to another.  It's OK to ask for a second opinion, after all.  Or to discuss the fact that you're feeling doubtful about the reliability of the questionnaire and maybe whether there'd be any merit in doing the more detailed questionnaires (i remember doing a much longer one, plus an additional one which I think fed into some kind of empathy quotient).  Plus, given the genetic influences, this would surely increase the likelihood, of which NHS autism teams are perfectly well aware.  

    I'm sure there'll be other avenues beyond this, including taking the private route if that's an option, but maybe prepare a query list for that callback first of all?        

Children
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