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Getting a diagnosis?

Simon78

Hi, I found out about 5 years ago I am autistic. I just thought I was an alien. But, I started the diagnosis process before covid and that kicked a hole in that. So, I went to the doctor's last week and he sort of brushed me off with a website. But I can't find the bit of paper with it on, it could have been "mind" something. Any clues?

I can't afford a private diagnosis. So what are my best options? I live in Wallasey, on the Wirral (Merseyside). I did try and Google but it was a bit overwhelming to be honest.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, 
Simon 

Parents

  • 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.

  • in reply to Roy

    Hi, Roy. Slight smile

    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?

  • in reply to Steven

    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.

  • in reply to Steven

    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.

  • in reply to Roy

    Thanks very much for the information, Roy. Slight smile

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

Reply Children
  • in reply to Steven

    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.