Published on 12, July, 2020
I have now been trying for close to 2 years to get a diagnosis of being on the spectrum. I spoke to a Dr for referral over the phone and was declined the assessment process for lack of evidence. I wasn’t surprised since the call with the Dr lasted about 3 minutes. I followed this up with my GP and he tried to palm me off with recommending speaking to a psychologist about my anxiety issues because he “doubted it was Autism because you have very good eye contact”. Even those he was condescending I pushed for a referral and got one. Eventually the Adult Autism Team got in contact to fill out a pre screening assessment (which I don’t feel was very in depth) and I have now been declined to progress any further despite me having a plethora of issues. I’m really starting to feel extremely low and frustrated I’m not being heard. It’s a lot to deal with right now as I’ve just lost my father on Christmas Eve. Is there anywhere I can appeal their decision? Or is there anyone I can turn to to try get a diagnosis because I really struggle work wise and holding down a job and for the last few years have became a full time parent/houseperson instead as my partner understands my struggles with working.
I have 3 siblings who are all diagnosed with ASD. And I myself have been diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia at age 19. I am now 30 and struggling more internally than I ever have. My 7yo daughter has traits of possible ASD and ADHD. And my 3yo daughter is ongoing for the ASD assessment just now.
We have the same G.P!!
In my case the path to diagnosis was much swifter than many report.
1. A freind suggested that I got to aspergerstestsite.com and test myself.
2. I scored high enough that it warranted fruther investigation so I browsed the internet a bit, obtained some evidence to support the idea that I might have been carrying undiagnosed autsm for over a half century and went to see my Doctor with the same result that you got; "No, you have not got autism you interact too well". (over a half centruy of masking will do that!) Finally he agreed to do teh test and set me up an appointment for that.
3. I scored high enough to win a "referral".
4. I asked what was involved, and what timescale, and to be honest did not liek what I heard so I followed up wth a few phonecalls which was a good thing as the surgery seemed to think that several weeks was a fair tiemscale to even send the referral letter...
5. Since as always "it's thd squeaky wheel that gets the grease", and I know how to squeak loudly when I need to, I was in and out within three months...
Your life is effectively "on hold" whilst waiting for that diagnosis, and I was NOT going to be put on hold for 2 years like some poor people allow to happen to them..
lol ive been waiting like 4 years now and it maybe 4 more ontop of this