Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm in my mid-50s and have been on an NHS waiting list for an autism assessment for about two years. I've struggled with depression and anxiety for more than two decades and take medication. I've just resigned from yet another job following a sequence of events which, although familiar, is one I haven't been able to stop. The sequence runs something like this:
Looking back, this sequence of events has now happened up to eight times in my life. Once, I ended up in hospital. It was after one of these sequences that it was suggested to me that I might be autistic. I don't know if there's anything in this and would be very interested if any readers have any thoughts or reflections. I'd also be particularly grateful to receive any advice on how I might be able to stop the sequence from happening again. Thank you very much for reading - and warmest good wishes.
There is an alternative route that you could go down for assessment, which is through NHS Right To Choose. When waiting times are long, you have the right to choose an alternative provider, as long as they have a contract with your Care Partnership.
Below are links on how to access an assessment through MIND Professionals through Right to Choose.
If you read the information, fill in the attached template letter and questionnaire and take it all to your GP, he can refer you through Right to Choose directly to MIND Professionals. At the moment their waiting times are not very long, you would need to call them to confirm but I think around 2-3 months
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WQzF7WlaNK1rhZf49rqv4vVD0383h5pO/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106866502195916410189&rtpof=true&sd=true
This is the route I took aged 45 to get my assessment, should there be some problem with me sharing these documents on this site, please let me know and I'll take them down. The original files were presented to me from the Matthews Hub in Hull
Support service for autistic people, 13 and over | Autism Support Service | Matthews Hub
Hi BrokenBiscuits, Thank you very much for reading and replying. I really do appreciate your help. All the best, I.