Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello everyone! I am new here and I hope everyone is doing amazing, my little brother is on the spectrum at a high rate and my parents have always believed I am also on the spectrum. Any advice for a 23 year old to get tested? I should've done it years ago but with dealing with depression and anxiety as well, I just didn't care but I do now.
Hi Kyle
Advice from the NHS about seeking an autism diagnosis is published here (and includes links to the relevant NAS content):
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/getting-diagnosed/how-to-get-diagnosed/
Just to expand on advice that some others have already offered:
In addition to the suggested actions on the NHS website: in my area of England, GPs use the AQ-10 form as a screening tool for making referrals. This can be completed online, saved as a PDF and printed off via https://embrace-autism.com/aq-10/
As Kvothe suggested, it may benefit you to request a Right To Choose (RTC) referral if the waiting times for an assessment within the NHS are long within your area. Even though waiting times may be shorter via this route than within the NHS, it may still involve a wait of several months.
Several private / external providers can provide assessments under RTC, including - for example - these:
https://psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose-asd/https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-services/right-to-choosehttps://www.drsj.co.uk/psychiatry-uk-right-to-choose
You mention in your profile that your father thinks you may also have ADHD. It may be worth asking your GP to make a joint referral (ie for both Autism and ADHD assessment), as they can quite often exist together (as can OCD, which you mention you have).
In respect of ADHD (and if the results of the questionnaire support your suspicions), I'd suggest also taking a completed copy of the ASRS v1.1 form with you to your GP:
https://embrace-autism.com/asrs-v1-1/
Hello Paige! Thank you so much, that means a lot to me. I used to have the mentality that I could figure it out on my own and not bothered to ask for help but as of recently, I've come to realise that I need the help. Thank you for informing me of that! Thank you again, Paige
Hello there! Thank you for informing me and giving me this information, it is good to know that people are willing to support one another.
Hey mate! I appreciate you responding. Oh right, I never knew that. Thank you for informing me! :)
Hello and welcome! ️ I admire your courage in reaching out for advice on getting tested for being autistic-its a huge step to take! And it might just be the best one you ever took.
First I would recommend you take the AQ test. It's not an official autism diagnosis but many who feel they might be autistic-try it it-and that can help them decide whether or not to proceed in going to get an assessment.
Why not give it a try and see what you score?
https://embrace-autism.com/autism-spectrum-quotient/
Whatever you decide to do-good luck!
Have to go to your GP and they should have a form for you to fill out.. Once that is complete they decide whether to refer you on, if they do you can do whats called Right to Chose (choosing how, who and where you get assessed), and take it from there..