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Just received my diagnosis

DominoDan

Hi there, I've just received by Autism Diagnosis today, hopefully this will allow me to start seeking and getting support moving forward as I'm 34 years old, I've struggled a lot through life, and really haven't been coping the last few years in specific.

I'm hoping this will be the start of my journey to finding myself again with the right support, although it really hasn't settled in yet.

I've gone through the right to choose option and it can take around 6-8 weeks for the outcome detailing the diagnosis to be produced and sent to my GP, however they have said that they encourage me to reach out to the GP to let them know the outcome and see what help is available as soon as I feel up to it.

I was just wondering if anyone here would be able to provide me any support or point me in the right direction for support or next steps while this is all sinking in asI'm feeling a little lost with it all at the moment.

Kind Regards

Dan

  • Hi. May I ask how you found the process of getting diagnosed? I am currently debating whether to get an official diagnosis. How you found anything helpful about it?

  • Hi, I was assessed through the right to choose and received my diagnosis just before Christmas. My GP hasn't been in touch, I was told that I should by the secondary mental health team who incidentally discharged me as soon as they learnt that I'd been given an assessment appointment, not the diagnosis but the initial appointment, that I should contact MAIN who are the autism agency in my area. I did and still haven't heard back from them, apparently they have 4 staff and 1200 clients.

    This may just be specific to my experience but in my experience you'll need to push and chase to get what you need.

    I found speaking to a psychologist helpful, it help me understand the impact of this unseen and previously unknown entity had on my life and relationships.

    I'm sorry to sound negative but I somehow expect more, that things would change.

  • Congrats on your diagnosis

    My own experience - dropped my diagnosis off at the Doc 3 months ago, two weeks after I checked they had not lost it , and they said no its been scanned in just not read yet.  Well nothing since - but I have referred myself to NHS Talking Therapies (with 1st mtg next month)

    My private therapy sessions have been paid by health insurance will end in a few weeks - although I'm trying to find out if I can refer back for some more session in future.  I havent found the cost if I want to pay myself

    Also look for local adult support groups (you can search the NAS site to see if there's a local group for adults) - as they can also provide help and advice.  Good Luck 

  • Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your diagnosis.

    It can take time for things to settle following diagnosis, but you are in the right place for now. 

    When you feel ready, you might like to have a look at previous posts on book recommendations from some of the members here. Just use the forum search bar to input “books”.

  • Hello - plenty of us here who can relate to your situation.  No need to worry about feeling lost or rushing to absorb your news.

  • Welcome to the forum

    Here's the link to the NAS pages 'After Diagnosis' which may contain information you'll find useful.

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis

    The amount of support isn't great but does vary from area to area, so it is advisable that you speak with your GP to see what, if anything is available in your locality.  

    The NHS doesn't tend to provide Autism-specific support, nor does it tailor other mental health support you may require to the specific needs of those with Autism. 

    It would depend on what you are looking for, but you may find that the voluntary & private sectors provide your best routes to getting some support. 

    Your GP can also normally refer you to a service known as 'social prescribing' which is matching individuals with groups and activities in their area which may be of benefit.  

    The NAS has also produced an Autism Services Directory which you can use to see what may be available in your area.

    https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory