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UPDATED 1st NOV - Starting to Path to Diagnosis at 50

UnicornGroupie

THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to reply to my message (below). The turnaround in the attitude of the Doctor has been remarkable. I sent my test results in, and she is now sending out a QA form to be completed as part of the referral process (I scored 7 on the Drs version online). Once they have this back, I'll be in a very long queue for assessment. It was a huge thing to make that call yesterday, and with your help, I am a tiny step closer to a better understanding of myself and that being 50 doesn't mean it doesn't matter anymore. 

I finally contacted my Doctor today to request a referral for the assessment for autism. After talking to me for a while, the Doctor said she felt I did show some of the traits of autism, but because. I am 50 she didn't know if I would fit the criteria for assessment as I have 'learned to live with it'. She did acknowledge the struggle it's been. She said it is only worth getting diagnosed if it would lead to me needing more support. Is this correct? She said she would speak to the other Doctors and text me to let me know if I tick the boxes for a referral. I know this sounds flippant; she wasn't being. She told me I could go to the local charity for autistic people, but I said I wouldn't want to do that without knowing if I have autism. I could be just wasting people's time. It would make a huge difference to me to know, even at 50. That's why I made the call. If I didn't think it would make a difference, I wouldn't have contacted my doctor. Please can you share your experiences or help me put this into perspective? Thanks.

Parents

  • I'm 54 now, I'm on the waiting list to be assessed through the NHS, had initial referral from my G.P, whom seemed a bit shocked at the time. As she probably didn't expect me to come out with that little bombshell, but I've known her for 20 years & she seemed supportive. As we know most G.P's don't specialise within this field, more of an all rounder. I'll probably have to wait around 3 years now for the assessment, I've already seen a mental heath nurse, whom my G.P had initially referred me to see, first, then the nurse referred me for the assessment, but said there was a 3 year wait. 

  • in reply to Phoenixboy

    That's good news that you’re in the queue for assessment. It does seem a long time but knowing can make such a difference. If I can get on the wsiyinv list i’ll also start saving and see if I can raise the money for a private diagnosis if I can do that quicker than the waiting list. I just have to see if I can get on the list first. Thank you for sharing your experience with me and for your support in means a lot. 

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  • in reply to Phoenixboy

    That's good news that you’re in the queue for assessment. It does seem a long time but knowing can make such a difference. If I can get on the wsiyinv list i’ll also start saving and see if I can raise the money for a private diagnosis if I can do that quicker than the waiting list. I just have to see if I can get on the list first. Thank you for sharing your experience with me and for your support in means a lot. 

Children
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