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.
You say she said she would drop them a line? To who will she do this? So the service does exist. Being denied the right to know "what is wrong". (I know this is an incorrect statement). If you get no success with who ever it is that she is referring you to, maybe refer yourself. Contact your local MP?
The signs are often missed as we know, despite accessing mental health services. So it would not necessarily be picked up.
Could you ask her for a copy of the referral letter that she is sending? You have a right to see your records.