Waiting for an autism assessment

Hello,

I got referred by my GP after requesting this in May 2021. I got a letter/email in May 2022 asking to register with the team who would be conducting my assessment. I had the first part of my assessment a couple of days ago via video link. It was scheduled for 3 hours and 15 minutes. It would have been in two parts, however I didn't have anyone to attend the appointment with me (family member/close friends). 

I've been advised that the next part of the process will be the clinician speaking to the next person who will be conducting the next part of the assessment and then sending an initial report. I'm not sure when the next appointment will be. People say it takes another year, some say months and some say weeks. Like someone else said in your thread, I think it boils down to where you live and who the NHS use to conduct autism assessments in your area. I have come to accept that it is a long process, so I try not to dwell on it too much.

I too read a lot about autism and have in the past been told I identify with some of the characteristics of someone with autism. I understand that it can be difficult processing this after taking the step to seek a referral. I used this forum a lot initially, and still do. I also have an association that I joined at work that is for neurodiversity which I have found to be a help, even if it was just to be able to relate to people and see that I wasn't alone in how I was feeling. I've found this forum and the one I joined at work a good place to get advice. 

That's the only support I have really sought out other than following other neurodiverse people via social media. Through these channels I've been able to understand myself a little more (as silly as that may sound). Hopefully your work has the same sort of channels you can seek support from. I believe there are lots of books to be read and groups you can also join, but I guess its what works for you.

Hope this helps.

Hello,

I got referred by my GP after requesting this in May 2021. I got a letter/email in May 2022 asking to register with the team who would be conducting my assessment. I had the first part of my assessment a couple of days ago via video link. It was scheduled for 3 hours and 15 minutes. It would have been in two parts, however I didn't have anyone to attend the appointment with me (family member/close friends). 

I've been advised that the next part of the process will be the clinician speaking to the next person who will be conducting the next part of the assessment and then sending an initial report. I'm not sure when the next appointment will be. People say it takes another year, some say months and some say weeks. Like someone else said in your thread, I think it boils down to where you live and who the NHS use to conduct autism assessments in your area. I have come to accept that it is a long process, so I try not to dwell on it too much.

I too read a lot about autism and have in the past been told I identify with some of the characteristics of someone with autism. I understand that it can be difficult processing this after taking the step to seek a referral. I used this forum a lot initially, and still do. I also have an association that I joined at work that is for neurodiversity which I have found to be a help, even if it was just to be able to relate to people and see that I wasn't alone in how I was feeling. I've found this forum and the one I joined at work a good place to get advice. 

That's the only support I have really sought out other than following other neurodiverse people via social media. Through these channels I've been able to understand myself a little more (as silly as that may sound). Hopefully your work has the same sort of channels you can seek support from. I believe there are lots of books to be read and groups you can also join, but I guess its what works for you.

Hope this helps.