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

Alamnesh

Hey everyone!

I am in need of some advice as to what options I have. Over the past years I have started thinking that I’m on the spectrum. A lot of my friends are and they also see it in me. 

I went to the gp in the summer because I was really struggling and they said there was nothing they could provide for me. I was informed that they don’t provide adult assessments in the region I live in (Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland) and they suggested I go private. Since then I have looked at the private assessments and I really can’t afford them as they seem to be incredibly expensive (the ones accepted by the NHS). I’m not sure what to do and feel at a bit of a loss, I have no social life and I can’t keep a job for long as it exhausts me and I struggle navigating the social side. 

I have another appointed with the mental health nurse at the beginning of next months as I haven’t been doing well. Do you have any advice on what options/course of action I should take? I was wondering if it would be worth asking for a general mental health screening in the hopes that it might lead to something else. Would another option be asking for a referral outwith the region? Is there any kind of funding one can access in order to go private? 

I would love any kind of advice or suggestions as I’m quite lost with what to do (even if its just about my upcoming appointment). Private seems to be my only option but it’s also so far out of my reach. Thanks Heart️

Parents

  • 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. Slight smile

    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.

Reply

  • 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. Slight smile

    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.

Children
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