Published on 12, July, 2020
Good morning everyone,
It's my first time posting here. I have been coming here for long time now but I have never managed to post anything at all. I really need some advice/ help, please?
I am nearly 30 years old woman. I have 5 years old daughter. For 1 and a half year I have been asking for ASD assessment. I struggle very much, just slowly coming out of crisis now. I have long history of going to orthopaedics, neurologists, psychologist, counsellors from early childhood. I suffer from anxiety, depression and complex post traumatic stress disorder. I self-harm from young age. I have tried to take my own life several times. I am under the care of CMHT for a while now. I have been sent between professionals regarding the ASD diagnosis. First nobody knew who can diagnose adult women in my county. It turned out that place which diagnosed me with c-PTSD diagnose ASD in my county but they have discharged me and sent me to CMHT because they are not trained enough to deal with my c-PTSD. The CMHT took me on and offered some sessions with them which didn't help, I am afraid. In the meantime one private counsellor suggested possible ASD. She sent a letter to my GP asking for assesment in March 2022. Since then I am being pushed backwards and forwards between professionals. The CMHT say they are not specialised in ASD assessments and they don't know who does. They have sent me to the GP. The GP made a referral but I have just received a letter yesterday stating that they can't accept the referral because I am under the care of CMHT and the assessment should be sought from their side. They say that my referral was carefully assessed and they are confident I show high number of autistic traits but they cannot accept my referral because I am under the CMHT care. From what I know they are the only professionals who do the assessment within NHS in my area. It is very long story and I struggle to put it into words/explain it all but I am in this sort of situation for 1 and a half year now. I don't know how to deal with that anymore. I don't have any family who can support me. My parents died years ago. My situation is complicated. I am single mother and I am solely responsible for my daughter. My last suicide attempt was in June 2023 and I have a social worker involved . (I struggled even to take my daughter to school and bring her back - that's one of many examples how I struggle with day to day life and responsibilities). I don't know what to do anymore with this assessment. Should I just give it all up?
I would really appreciate if anyone can offer any advice for the situation please.
Many many thanks in advance for any information and support.
Thank you.
Hello, I am under a CMHT for care and have also recently had an Autism assessment, You are entitled to both. I havent been formely assessed for a psychaitric label although it fits EUPD. I have my outcome appointment tomorrow for Autism assessment. If you seek advocacy you could get them to help you request care from both services. It is possible you have both although or one. I would say I felt it stressful for having two services involved, bur you should be entitled to an advocate in your area.