Published on 12, July, 2020
I posted before about a doctor who, while agreeing to refer me, was very dismissive and didn't think I was autistic. It was clear through what he said that he is very uneducated on autism in adults and particularly in women and girls (kept insisting that my teachers would have noticed and got me diagnosed as a child).
He referred me anyway, and I was sent a Screening Tool Checklist to return, of which I ticked 9/10 choices (only one I left was sensory issues as they are rare for me). and I elaborated where I could in the tiny spaces it left me.
However, I've received my letter from my county's Adult Asperger Service (I don't know why they have a specific one, or why I was referred there when I asked for a general autism assessment referral) and they have said that they can Only assess for ASC where symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning. And based off of the information they received about me from my GP (who to add on to his lack of knowledge has met me twice in my life and all since September this year) they don't think I fit the criteria and won't offer me an assessment. They also stated how they only offer assessments to those with the most difficulties because of how many referrals they've gotten so I don't understand why my doctor referred me straight to there.
I'm just incredibly frustrated that they've based my need for assessment purely on the words of an uneducated doctor, and have made no attempt at an initial appointment with me to see for themselves whether I need assessing.
Is it worth going back to my doctors to see someone else and ask for a referral and to a different service? (I will see a woman this time as I don't like my previous doctor after how he spoke to me when I asked for the referral).
BassFace said:Asperger's is no longer given as an official diagnosis, because information came out that Hans Asperger warranted the death of many kids with learning disabilities.
Asperger Syndrome is no longer given as an official diagnosis where Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is or has been increasingly since the 5th edition of the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) was published in 2013 and thereafter adopted, but until the 11th edition of International Classification of Diseases (ICD 11) universally replaces the 1994 10th edition after the 1st of January 2022 ~ Asperger Syndrome may still be given as a diagnosis until then accordingly.
basically if your getting on with life then they dont care. its kinda like the soldiers that had their legs blown off, as soon as they get implant and learn to walk again the disability is removed because they tried to help themselves and get on with life and the disability team judges them as able to make their own living and needing no help no more.
It depends on the person though. It's equally fine if you prefer not to go through all of that process with clinical professionals.
It can be validating, or give you a sense of closure. It won't make the pain go away but (especially if they don't present as 'typically' autistic) it makes people feel a bit better to know the reason why they have had a hard time. Or to eliminate other possibilities.
What is the attraction of assessment? Is it to get medically based exemptions, benefits etc? It doesn't make the pain go away.
I consider myself blessed to have been assessed thirty years ago.
The very idea of going to a Generalist Medical Practitioner with anything related to autism is beyond ridiculous. But that's the system we have for so many things. You can get a referral for an Autism Assessment done by any clinician, and this is the best route, preferably a specialist who works in the field on mental health.
Hi Mickey, I'm sorry to hear about this experience, which seems typical, unfortunately. I think it would be a good idea to get a second opinion, because the referring service can only assess you based on what the GP has written down. If he didn't ask pertinent questions, or if you were anxious at the time and weren't able to give a full account, then a more sympathetic doctor might produce a different result.
Another option is the NHS 'right to choose'- you can asked to be referred to an alternative provider if you'd like.
A third option is to consider a private diagnosis, which will be quicker, as you can refer yourself, although there will be a cost involved.
Asperger's is no longer given as an official diagnosis, because information came out that Hans Asperger warranted the death of many kids with learning disabilities. What used to be called Asperger's is now called High Functioning Autism or Autism Spectrum Condition or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Low functioning 'classic' autism and Asperger's are due to similar differences in development, but (what used to be called) Asperger's is when the differences are less severe and the person doesn't also have learning disabilities, so they are much more likely to be able to live independently and learn to 'blend in' with non-autistic people.
Having said that, I still prefer to use the term Asperger's with some people because they might only know about 'low functioning' autism and therefore get confused if I say I'm autistic.
There is a shortage of GPs. The Government are reducing funding for the health service in case you didn't know. GPs are profoundly over-stretched and under pressure. You can't even make a GP appointment where I live. They expect you to go private even if you break a leg. In the circumstances, they are not likely to prioritise mental health and psychodivergency.
Asperger's isn't Autism that's why dude. Sure it's flagged more or less the same by people who don't understand how the duffer but ASD and Asperger's are pretty different from one another. When they asses you there usually pretty accurate. When I went for mine I got 6 out of 10 still came out with ASD and ADHD. I'm dispraxic as well but that got assesed earlier on my ASD and ADHD was assessed when I was 28 this year. They assess you based on what your anwsers are for the question they look for consanistanty and repution. If they don't detect this chances are your not Autistic but Just have Asperger's. Still though there aren't any perks to being Autistic and Asperger's is pretty well known today and classed as a disability as far as I'm aware. I wouldn't worry just be greatful your not Autistic.
Yes, ask for a Lady Doctor; if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Fortunately, here in Northern Ireland, our Doctors are more trustworthy; and not so swift in pushing meds.
I also forgot to add that I will be seeing a psychiatrist soon for CBT for anxiety and seasonal depression. would it be a good idea to try and get referred through them instead?