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To diagnose or not to diagnose, that is the question!

maiz450

Hello all! 

I wondered if I could please get some advice on whether to pursue a diagnosis or not. 

ever since I was a kid I’ve been ‘different’ and ‘weird’ and ‘unusual’ and I’ve always struggled socially (i learned over time how to blend in and communicate well). For some years now I’ve been debating with myself whether I should pursue a diagnosis or not. I’ve spoken with my family and they all believe I show traits. However back when I was 17 (I was having issues with social anxiety and depression) I brought up the possibility of autism with my psychiatrist (CAHMS) and I was immediately dismissed, I wasn’t even allowed time to explain why I thought this or any traits I had. The lady said to me ‘it’s not possible it’s mainly in males’. Ever since then I’ve had a doubt in my mind wether I’m just an anxious and unusual person or if there indeed is some sort of neurodivergence within me.

I’ve been researching and found there are ways to privately get an assessment. I’m now debating if it’s worth me trying. My main concern is that I’m not neurodivergent and then that will lead me to asking so many questions to why I am the way I am. 

I wondered if anyone could share their diagnosis experiences or their stories to help me decide if this is something I should pursue. 

thank you so much! (Female, 25, north east England)

Parents

  • By way of answering… I spoke with my GP who advised me I could seek a diagnosis via the NHS with a two year wait. Or use Right to Choose. I opted for the latter. You are provided with a list of private specialists who offer treatment. Then the GP makes the referral. The NHS pays. 

    Long story short, I am now officially a member of the club. 

  • in reply to Professor Precise-a-bug

    There is that. Not knowimg is irritating.

    Last November I made a request to ask for my medical notes. I know the child psychiatrist I was sent to did write about me because many, years later I caught sight of them during a visit to my GP. It was quite the revelation. Unfortunately the notes were written in the 60's and my troubles were seen as related to craziness, not neurology. Bit it would be useful to know if there is anything like PDD Nos mentioned, let's say.

    But I have been abroad continuously since 1999, so I may never get to the bottom of it now. 

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  • in reply to Professor Precise-a-bug

    There is that. Not knowimg is irritating.

    Last November I made a request to ask for my medical notes. I know the child psychiatrist I was sent to did write about me because many, years later I caught sight of them during a visit to my GP. It was quite the revelation. Unfortunately the notes were written in the 60's and my troubles were seen as related to craziness, not neurology. Bit it would be useful to know if there is anything like PDD Nos mentioned, let's say.

    But I have been abroad continuously since 1999, so I may never get to the bottom of it now. 

Children
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