Getting a diagnosis?

I think if you really need a diagnosis for work or benefits, then get a second opinion from the GP for a referral, along with all relevant info. There will be a very long wait, as the service is stretched to high heaven, and they have budgets to keep to. Children will always be the top of the list.

Since the wait is long, you could put aside a little money each month of the 3 years you might be waiting. Then, you could get your diagnosis privately. I always say this,  but a reputable psychologist or psychiatrist will allow you a payment arrangement if you are unable to pay all in one go.

Thank you all for the info. The doctor seemed to want me out the door asap. I'll just ask for another doctor next time. I did do the AQ50 but that was before Covid. 

My wife has been an NHS nurse for 17 years ,  there are thousands of vacancies, as older nurses either just leave or retire, younger people are not joining the profession. Unfortunately many nurses don’t want to work in mental health. My wife has colleges who are highly trained and now working in shops.

Ah, I see. I've never had experience of waiting lists, so thought I'd better ask about them. 

Roy speaks wisely. 

Even with Covid, you should have been kept on the diagnostic pathway.  Not sure what's happened with that, but do take some notes and be your best assertive self to get what you need.

And then, if you're anything like me, spend three days utterly withdrawn to recover.

Because it's the NHS. 

I sort of joking, but everyone has to wait very long times these days because there's just not enough services for the number of people in the country.  It's an even longer waiting list for gender services.  

Thanks very much for the information, Roy. 

I was a 70s schoolchild too, and I never even heard the words 'autism' or 'mental health'.

Hi Simon, covid added to the waiting time and more people are realising they are autistic, I went to the GP in 2021 at the age of 54. There was no help in the 70’s and 80’s. There is an entire generation that had to muddle through. A lot more children are picked up on at an early age as well, which is obviously a good thing. I watched a program called,’ Are you Autistic?” it’s on ch4 catchup. I think they gave a figure of 80,000 undiagnosed people just in the UK. I know it’s often used as an example, I watched Rainman and thought that I am no way like him so couldn’t be autistic. Some counties do have shorter lists, it is a postcode lottery.

Hi, Roy. 

Do you happen to know why the waiting period is so long? Is it because so many people need a diagnosis, perhaps, or are there other reasons?

Psychiatry UK has fees of £900 for adult autism assessment - psychiatry-uk.com/.../

Hi, It does sound like your GP has fobbed you off, Mind gives links back to NAS and NHS. If you decide that you want an assessment, firstly do an AQ50 or RAADS-R test online and then write a list of how autism affects you. Take it all with you and ask the GP for a referral. I first got given antidepressants and told I had depression, I stopped taking them after 6 months as I felt the same as I have for my entire live. Some GP’s are very good with autism, unfortunately some are useless. If you still get no joy ask for a second opinion. The NHS won’t normally accept anyone for assessment without a referral from a GP or Psychiatrist. The waiting list is 2-3 years, private is £1500-£1800, cheaper for an online assessment. There is a help section with NAS.

Hi,

Might it have been the MIND organisation?:

https://www.mind.org.uk/