Published on 12, July, 2020
My GP referral for a formal Autism Spectrum Condition assessment was rejected and not processed because there was no indication of whether I was aware of and have consented to the assessment and also the clinical rationale for the assessment was not provided.
I discussed the need for an assessment with the GP and obviously this was discussed and agreed by me.
What clear clinical reason do they need?
Even the GP received the rejection response after they asked about the referral. That only happened because I asked for an update as I had not received anything in four weeks time. Although, they have confirmed that they have sent me a copy of the letter but I still have not received it. The letter says the copies were sent to me and the GP. I have not received my copy and the GP only received it because they requested it. The GP forwarded me a copy of their copy of the letter. Also, the letter says: ''No action required''. I suspect that they simply wanted to ignore me. This is ridiculous.
I am really upset. Is this a way to put people off and delay things?
Now I will need to book a new GP appointment which is a huge problem to me.
Almost two months are now wasted only by doing this.
This is going to cost me time and money.
No problem, we are all here to help each other.
Thank you Handi-andis so much for this information!
The origin of the Autism Spectrum Quotient test is the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc_tests . The different websites are confusing but they are basically all similar, I would try https://www.wired.com/2001/12/aqtest/ if you want to do it on line or you can do the paper version from ARC. There is an interesting review of it here: https://musingsofanaspie.com/2012/11/27/taking-the-autism-spectrum-quotient-aq-test/
The Empathy Quotient I did via https://psychology-tools.com/empathy-quotient/ but it can also be done via the ARC website if you prefer paper format.
I also did the Aspie Quiz at http://www.rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php which again there is a review of at https://musingsofanaspie.com/2014/12/16/taking-the-aspie-quiz-version-3/ if you are interested.
There is also the Myers Briggs, which can be taken at various places including http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp which can be useful in my view to see how one fits in with the spectrum, as I found I have traits that are and traits that aren't and that confused me until I looked at my personality trait. Similarly the Ennegram trifix can also be helpful in this regard, see for instance https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test.php.
Although I have mentioned the RAAD-R I would put together a portfolio based on the above, as then that allows for a one to one interview and the RAAD-R if the psychologist of Psychiatrist thinks there is enough reason to test, it also allows for a controlled test.
Personally overall, and sorry for thinking as I type, just one of those days, I would start with a paper copy of the AQ-50 and the EQ and see what you score, then see where that leaves you. Mine was so clear cut, that although I just seem a little odd and at times rude, there was no doubt about it. Feel free to message me if you need more information.
NAS24533
Hello Andrew,
Thank you so much for the comment and this information!
I would like to prepare the AQ-50, EQ, and RAAD-R tests and send them in with a letter.
I have searched for these tests but many websites come up.
What are the best and the right websites where to complete the tests and print out the results, so I can add them to my letter?
Could you let me know, please?
Thank you so much for helping me!
This is really helpful!
I will try to find the forms and fill them myself.
I am simply upset because I did everything I could to start and move the process but the NHS is not helping me at this point but simply putting obstacles in my way.
Sorry to hear of your troubles. My GP knew nothing about autism so I downloaded a copy of the referral form from my County's autism provider website, filled it all in myself, then added 6 extra sheets of "proof" from my own perspective of why I think I have autism (autistic traits, the way I think about things, social difficulties, and lots of real-world examples). I handed it it my GP and told her to sign it and send it off to the autism people as a referral, which she was happy to do. This was how I got my initial assessment.
I think the "rationale" relates to how having autism is affecting your ability to live life, for example if you're having issues at work which you can attribute to autism, or you can't go food shopping because there's too many people in the store, or you have a deficiency in social skills that is making you isolated, resulting in you not being able to do the other things that "normal" people do as part of their normal lives. It's about the impact that it has on your life and your ability to function as a human being.
If you want the assessment, keep pushing for it. Ask specifically what evidence you need to provide, and maybe just fill the forms in yourself. Note that although I filled the forms in myself, I had to get my GP to send them off, because the autism provider in my County does not accept self-referrals - just find out what the process is where you live, and follow it as best you can.
Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about your issues, my GP, like yours, was sympathetic. I would suggest like others, you complete the AQ-50, EQ, and RAAD-R and pass these to the GP for attachment to your referral. If you prepare those and send them in with a letter you may not need another appointment or may be able to just have a telephone appointment to discuss the GP referring you again. If you include a cover note with the tests asking for the referral and assessment then the GP can include this as evidence that you have consented to the assessment.
Essentially, my experience is that when medics are presented with overwhelming data then they will do something, to get my assessment I went in with 5 or 6 different test scores that indicated a high likelihood of HFA.
Hope this helps
Andrew
I would take completed copies of the AQ and EQ, plus a letter stating briefly your history that makes you suspect ASD and consent for referral with you to next GP appointment and ask that those are included with his/her referral.
We turned round a rejection for SD20 by doing similar.
Hello California sorry to hear about this,all sounds a bit like they are doing this to get you gone,? Think about it,we who is it easy to upset?those who are already potentially stressed,very down,and desperate for answers.The less feeling and more they mess people about the less likely they will complain.
I hope you can get your appointment with the GPat a time more suitable for you,not having to loose money.