• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 81 subscribers
  • Views 3469 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Scared

Greenblade

I'm 51 and after a brief interview with an A&E pyschologist (referred for suicidal thoughts) his line of questioning and mention of autism made me understand the pattern of my life. I've scored very high on two online autism tests. I know these aren't realiable but how do I push for a professional diagnosis?

I've got through life so far by luck - one civil service "job for life" and then made redundant. Everyone has always said I'm intelligent but I only think about applying for unskilled jobs because I cant face interviews. I have only managed to avoid homelessness because of the kindness of other people. I cannot plan for the future and fear my luck has run out.

I've been hit by a massive panic attack & depression and can't see any way of functioning like a normal person.

Parents

  • Waiting times after GP referral seem to vary regionally - I was fortunate enough to receive a completed NHS diagnosis only three months after the initial GP referral to the local autism unit (BASS).  I don't know whether it's a "first come, first served" system or if other factors are considered.

    To Greenblade I'd say that when approaching the GP you should emphasise how much the likely autism and secondary mood disorders (depression etc.) are negatively affecting your life, and therefore how much you'd benefit from a diagnosis.  What did take a long time (about ten years) for me was finding a GP who took me seriously about my Asperger's.  I'm a similar age (55) and many GPs - even, initially, the one who referred me - find it hard to believe someone could reach middle-age with undiagnosed Asperger's, or they think it's too late to bother. 

Reply

  • Waiting times after GP referral seem to vary regionally - I was fortunate enough to receive a completed NHS diagnosis only three months after the initial GP referral to the local autism unit (BASS).  I don't know whether it's a "first come, first served" system or if other factors are considered.

    To Greenblade I'd say that when approaching the GP you should emphasise how much the likely autism and secondary mood disorders (depression etc.) are negatively affecting your life, and therefore how much you'd benefit from a diagnosis.  What did take a long time (about ten years) for me was finding a GP who took me seriously about my Asperger's.  I'm a similar age (55) and many GPs - even, initially, the one who referred me - find it hard to believe someone could reach middle-age with undiagnosed Asperger's, or they think it's too late to bother. 

Children
No Data