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Not Diagnosed after assessment

PandaStar

Hi all..

I’ve recently gone through the assessment process as a AFAB white 46 year old.

Although my report says I have limited imagination, social difficulties, and many autistic traits… I wasn’t meeting the threshold for diagnosis as I apparently match my gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice. Basically that my social communication is fine. I’ve spent years acting & performing and worked as a primary school teacher…. I mask heavily. I did the CAT-Q and scored 151! I don’t know how to un mask! 

The report also suggests that my processing difficulties, and my inability to form lasting relationships is due to ADHD (for which I was diagnosed and medicated 4 years ago) and the suggested poor self image and mental health. 

my ADHD psychiatrist suggested I should get assessed as the traits I was struggling with after medication were likely indicative of Autism. 

I feel the assessors have missed lots of information, like so many things weren’t covered. I feel fobbed off…dismissed and misunderstood (again!)

The psychologist said I could get a second opinion but would need to be NHS services locally which are 9 years +… I went via RTC with Clinical Partners but they don’t do second opinions.

I am sure I am autistic, I am devastated at not having the confirmation, I’ve been almost unable to cope since the call… only getting by because I have 3 kids to care for. 

What do I do?

Parents

  • Hi and welcome to the community.

    I'm sorry that you didn't get the result that you were hoping for.

    The NAS explains that, in the first instance:

    "If you disagree with the outcome of the assessment, you may want to raise your concerns directly with the team of professionals who assessed you."  (it then goes on to discuss other steps)

    NAS - What happens during an autism assessment > Assessment results and report

    Clinical Partners, specifically, says:

    "What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

    Occasionally, disagreements occur between patient and clinician. Sometimes it's because a formal diagnosis couldn't be made. Or it could be because the clinician diagnoses you for something that you weren't expecting.

    There are many different reasons that you may not agree with your clinician's conclusion. If you feel that the doctor hasn't fully understood your situation, it's important to share your concerns with us. You can do this by emailing the team you've been working with and explaining why you disagree with the conclusion.

    We will let you know we have received your request and review your report based on your feedback."

    Clinical Partners - Feedback, compliments, concerns and complaints > Report FAQs

    It might be worth considering seeking support from an advocacy service in preparing your message to their team. You might be able to find one here, for example (below). Perhaps your ADHD psychiatrist might have some thoughts they'd suggest including, too?

    NAS - Autism Services Directory

    Finally, some of the information here might also be helpful:

    NAS - Autism in women and girls

Reply

  • Hi and welcome to the community.

    I'm sorry that you didn't get the result that you were hoping for.

    The NAS explains that, in the first instance:

    "If you disagree with the outcome of the assessment, you may want to raise your concerns directly with the team of professionals who assessed you."  (it then goes on to discuss other steps)

    NAS - What happens during an autism assessment > Assessment results and report

    Clinical Partners, specifically, says:

    "What if I disagree with my diagnosis?

    Occasionally, disagreements occur between patient and clinician. Sometimes it's because a formal diagnosis couldn't be made. Or it could be because the clinician diagnoses you for something that you weren't expecting.

    There are many different reasons that you may not agree with your clinician's conclusion. If you feel that the doctor hasn't fully understood your situation, it's important to share your concerns with us. You can do this by emailing the team you've been working with and explaining why you disagree with the conclusion.

    We will let you know we have received your request and review your report based on your feedback."

    Clinical Partners - Feedback, compliments, concerns and complaints > Report FAQs

    It might be worth considering seeking support from an advocacy service in preparing your message to their team. You might be able to find one here, for example (below). Perhaps your ADHD psychiatrist might have some thoughts they'd suggest including, too?

    NAS - Autism Services Directory

    Finally, some of the information here might also be helpful:

    NAS - Autism in women and girls

Children
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