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Adult Assessment, and advice for Asperger's Apathy

Clare. D

I contacted my GP today, as I feel I have undiagnosed Asperger's or an autism spectrum disorder. After asking me some questions the GP agreed but feels it's 'mild' and as I am not a danger to myself or others, there's no treatment available to me.

I find this shocking and disturbing, as I wasn't even told I'd be placed on the waiting list for an assessment, and just because I'm not aggressive or a danger, doesn't mean I don't struggle daily.

Is this normal? Should I contact the GP again and insist on a referral for an assessment? Are there other avenues I can try?

In the meantime, does anyone have tips for overcoming/ battling what I have read from medical articles is a form of depression more specific to people on the spectrum, where instead of being sad, I'm disinterested in most things.

I usually love my job but at the moment it feels like a chore. Additionally, I know I should do household chores, but just can't make myself.

From what I read, this is because people with Asperger's Apathy struggle to care about anything that doesn't interest them. I relate to this very much, and things I've tried like rewards systems, or reminding myself why I need to do something (like working to pay the bills) makes no difference. I find excuses and ways around it. 

  • This is kind of normal for the GP to be like this, but it is not right or correct. The NICE guidelines say you should be referred when it is suspected. Also his view of 'mild' might be because you appear to function reasonably ok in one setting (his GP office) and can speak but he may not see how it impacts your life as a whole and how you are in other settings. A lot of this is difficult to get across in a short drs appointment so it might help to write a letter to get your point across better. Additionally, this is something the psychiatrist asked me was 'why do you want a diagnosis' because for some (albeit a small percentage) getting a diagnosis wont actually change their lives that much if at all, for example they may be in a stable job that happened to suit their traits, same with relationships etc. However for myself I would like to return to education and it would help me get adjustments that I would need. Not sure I feel asking this is the correct thing to do ... but this is the world we live i at the moment. So it may also help to write in the letter why a diagnosis would benefit you, your overall health (including social and mental). If you really want to get technical with the doc you can quote some NICE guidelines to them: 

    dentification and initial assessment of possible autism

    1.2.2Consider assessment for possible autism when a person has:

    • one or more of the following:

      • persistent difficulties in social interaction

      • persistent difficulties in social communication

      • stereotypic (rigid and repetitive) behaviours, resistance to change or restricted interests, and one or more of the following

      • problems in obtaining or sustaining employment or education

      • difficulties in initiating or sustaining social relationships

      • previous or current contact with mental health or learning disability services

      • a history of a neurodevelopmental condition (including learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or mental disorder.

        1.2.3For adults with possible autism who do not have a moderate or severe learning disability, consider using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10). (If a person has reading difficulties, read out the AQ-10.) If a person scores 6 or above on the AQ-10, or autism is suspected based on clinical judgement (taking into account any past history provided by an informant), offer a comprehensive assessment for autism. [amended 2021]

        one or more of the following:

      Comprehensive (diagnostic, needs and risks) assessment of suspected autism

      1.2.5A comprehensive assessment should:

      • be undertaken by professionals who are trained and competent

      • be team-based and draw on a range of professions and skills

      • where possible involve a family member, partner, carer or other informant or use documentary evidence (such as school reports) of current and past behaviour and early development.


    Recommendations | Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE

    Hope that all helps Slight smile

  • Sorry to come in rather late on this. Hopefully the system will send you a notification. It sounds to me more like burnout or inertia than PDA (although PDA makes inertia worse).

    See: https://autisticinertia.com or, for the long version: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631596

  • yeah thats odd. my GP said to me that he will refer me for a assessment and said it will take a while due to the large demand now.
    sounds like your GP may have brushed it off to the side. id probably say request another GPs name if you can, i find i can request different GPs by name. next time ask to be refered for a assessment to make them do it.

    and yeah, they cant really determine what a danger is really.... i mean, you dont need to be violent, you could be so socially anxious and not be able to fit in that you dont get a job or life or progress anywhere and end up becoming left behind and homeless, that is a danger whether they think it is or not. thats even more dangerous as everyone takes it lightly and doesnt care which makes it all the more easy a situation to find yourself in.

  • Have you considered that you may also have some pda traits? The pda society website has lots of info! 

    yes I would agree with Aidie, when my son was diagnosed I kept a diary of his behaviours and ways in which his life was affected. I’d advise doing this and then returning to see a different doctor

  • u need to directly ask your GP to refer for an autism assessment. Yes you dont have severe autism but you need to ask him to refer you to the people who can diagnosis you accurately.  

    You need to have a electronic list of reasons why you believe you are autistic which you printout and give to your doctor.

    Ask politely if he can refer to a mental health teams or whoever does the diagnosis