Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all,
I wrote a post last week about having a GP appointment today seeking a referral for an assessment and that I was worried I would be rejected.
Unfortunately, when I went today, I started to go through my list of "evidence" to try and strengthen my case. Part way into this list she stopped me (politely) to point out that I had seen the child and adolescent mental health service when I was younger a number of times (this was due to anxiety and low mood during my teens), and made the point that surely they would have picked up on something but there was no mention of possible autism in my record. She said this would make it difficult to make a case to get me on a waiting list for referral. She then went on to explain that what is difficult at the moment is that an autism diagnostic service for adults currently "doesn't exist" in my area. I live in East Lothian, Scotland. I was taken aback by this. She then elaborated that it was previously done by psychiatrists but that since covid, to her knowledge, they had shut shop because of the volume on waiting lists. This was a bit confusing as clearly the service does exist but is just not accepting anyone at the moment. She then asked if a diagnosis would really make a difference to me and I said that personally, it really would, it would offer a lot of clarity and quieten a lot of self-doubt about my experiences and feelings.
She said the only thing she could do was drop them a line which may be bounced back, or maybe I'll get a letter in the post saying im on a waiting list. Overall, it was a confusing and very disappointing experience. I understand that perhaps things would have been picked up when I was younger, but I only started seeing mental health services in my later teens, and I do believe I am a very high-masking individual and had learned a lot of this masking already by this point.
Anyway, i'm at a bit of a loss as to where I stand or what to do now. I was worried i'd not be referred, I never expected to be told an assessment service simply "doesn't exist". Very upset and confused. Any words of advice or wisdom would be much appreciated.
EuanF said:She then went on to explain that what is difficult at the moment is that an autism diagnostic service for adults currently "doesn't exist" in my area. I live in East Lothian, Scotland.
Ask them about the "right to choose" option on the NHS where you can be referred to a private company (they pay for this) - you can normally do the sessions virtually if you ask the company and that would seem appropriate for your situation.
The waiting list for these companies is only a few months I think.
The alternative is to go private yourself but this will cost between £500 and £2,000 depending on the company you choose and what difficulties you experience in the meetings.
I would also have a good look on the NHS site and make contact with any helplines there to find out what the options are for a Scot as the rules under your government may be different.
Iain said:Ask them about the "right to choose" option on the NHS where you can be referred to a private company (they pay for this) - you can normally do the sessions virtually if you ask the company and that would seem appropriate for your situation.
In respect of assessment or treatment on the NHS or via the NHS involving private health care providers EuanF ~ check the information given via the following link:
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/
Thanks you both for this advice. I have had a look around in relation to "right to choose" as it relates to NHS Scotland but I can't really seem to find anything. As far as I am seeing it is only a thing through NHS England. Even reviewing the charter for patient rights and responsibilities from the Scottish government there is no mention of "right to choose".
I will keep researching and thank you for the helpful advice and links you have offered.