Seeking advice on getting a diagnosis as an adult in a region of Scotland where it’s not provided through the NHS

Hi, I thought I'd just make absolutely sure (no offense intended), but sometimes GP's aren't as aware as they could be about services in their region. I found this information which you may already know, but I thought I'd better post it just in case. I hope it helps. 

To get an adult autism assessment in Dumfries and Galloway, you should first speak with your GP. Discuss your concerns:
During the appointment, explain why you believe you may have autism and how a diagnosis could be beneficial and request a referral to the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). (These teams are responsible for providing assessments for adults who do not also have a learning disability.)

Once your GP makes the referral, you will need to wait for the CMHT to contact you for an appointment.
Prepare for the assessment: The CMHT may send you questionnaires to complete beforehand, and it's advisable to gather any relevant information about your childhood, such as school reports or letters from family and friends.

Also in your area:

Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service (NDAS):
While NDAS is primarily for children and young people, it's worth inquiring about their services and potential referrals for adults, as they screen for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism.
Location: NDAS is located at The Willows, Children and Family Centre, Glencaple Road, Dumfries, DG1 4TG.
Contact: You can find more information and contact details on the Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership website.

If you have a learning disability, the Intellectual Disability Psychology Service may be relevant.
Location: Mountainhall Treatment Centre, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4AP.
Contact: You can find more information and contact details on the Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership website.

I am in N. Ireland but for the few things that are not available here, the NHS sends people to England or Dublin. Perhaps this wouldn’t apply to every medical condition, only the rare or highly complex conditions, and we have autism services here.

ArchaeC said:

I am amazed at the unfairness of this. I imagined that everyone in the UK had equality of access to assessment and diagnosis

The English parliment gave the parliments of each country the ability on how they chose to prioritise their spending within the NHS as part of their devolved powers so it seems this is an entirely local government choice.

People elected their governments so they need to hold them accountable in their own countries.

I have close family ties in Scotland and still hear of the "initiatives" from the SNP where lots of money is spent on vanity projects instead on things like mental health so it is clear where the fault lies here.

We have to respect their local autonomy and the choices made by their elected officials.

I agree it is a poor show but this is part of the package of independence.

ArchaeC said:

Not every GP or mental health professional is fully aware of autism or if a diagnosis is requested

I understand the training for understanding basic autistic information is mandatory now but older doctors who are more set in their ways may choose not to do this or just treat it as a box ticking exercise.

It would be nice if all medical staff were up to speed and had the time / interests in looking out for our best interests but in reality this is not the case and many resourcing liitations and human failings are getting in the way still.

It really helps to take more control to research your symptoms, identify probable causes and insist on referrals to specialists in the fields in writing. By having a paper trail it will make the doctor more acutely aware that they are laying themselves open to malpractice lawsuits if they simply ignore them, especially if you include a researched justification on why you believe it is a possible diagnosis.

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overwhelmed & underwhelmed said:

It is a common misconception that all areas of the NHS provide the same service, when in fact each home nation, and each ICB decides what can be offered in their area.

I am amazed at the unfairness of this. I imagined that everyone in the UK had equality of access to assessment and diagnosis of every physical and mental condition as well as autism  I don’t live in Scotland, so I don’t know the system, but you could try searching online for the nearest adult autism services to where you live and ask where people in your area get referred to. You could try this over a few different regions. Would it be worth contacting your local MP? 

Not every GP or mental health professional is fully aware of autism or if a diagnosis is requested, where to refer the person. I had been having various interventions for depression and anxiety over the years, and my ‘strange rituals’ as they were termed by my doctor were not recognised as autistic traits by her or by mental health professionals, also they knew I was living a pretty isolated life. The possibility of autism was picked up recently during psychotherapy but my GP referred me to Mental Health Services rather than Adult Autism Services. I ended up with a private diagnosis because the NHS waiting list was 4+ years.

Hi Alamnesh, 

Thank you for posting. I am sorry you are having difficulty seeking an autism assessment.

We have some advice and guidance on the NAS website which may be useful to you: 

Requesting an autism assessment: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/before-diagnosis/how-to-request-an-autism-assessment

Seeking help with mental health: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/seeking-help

I hope this helps.

Gina Mod 

I am sorry to hear of your struggles in getting your ICB to fund an Autism Assessment.  It is a common misconception that all areas of the NHS provide the same service, when in fact each home nation, and each ICB decides what can be offered in their area.

I am not sure why Dumfries & Galloway don't provide this, and I've no idea (without looking into it) how many other areas are in the same position. I am wondering if it is a funding decision, or something else such as a recruitment issue. 

It would seem that if they aren't providing it, then your only option is to go private, or to move to another area.  The only other thing I can think of is to make further enquiries with your GP or mental health service (via GP referral) to see if any special provisions can be made for persons with particular struggles. 

Now that you know there is an issue with Assessments, perhaps it would be better to try to get your 'foot in the door' with the mental health service first before mentioning ASD again.  I'd be telling the GP about my symptoms, rather than what I thought was causing them - and that way they may refer you.

As right to choose doesn't operate in Scotland, I don't see you could be referred to another NHS, because your ICB would still have to fund the potential treatment, and that seems to be the issue. 

Is there a local advocacy or voluntary ASD service that you could speak to, in order to get some advice?  

https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory/d/dumfries-and-galloway-advocacyservice   may be able to advise you.