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The end of the road and a new beginning - Advice for a 'new' Aspie

willowtree

Hello,

I'm new to the world of autism and after searching for three decades I've finally come to the realisation that my quite significant problems are rooted in Autism, specifically Aspergers.

I've known for the last year and have gone through periods of denial, and have been loath to seek specialist support & advice. Partially because I feel labels can be more of an impediment then help.

However, recent events in my personal life have forced me to rethink and thus here I am looking for some advice and pointers :)

I've been privately seeing an (attachment based) Psychotherapist for the last three years and have hit obstacles when trying to explain to her that her experince of me within the Therapy rooms is completyly different to how people experience me in the real world outside. 

She is a brilliant & compasionate therapist for whom I have much love and respect. She's gently guided through some very turbulant events in my personal life over the last three years. However, I feel like I've come to the stage where exposure to a therapist who has an in depth understanding of Aspergers could open up the way forward for me. 

So, question one is how can I find such a therapist in London ? 

Question two: I have very little contact with NHS medical services including my GP, as I find them of little practical help. However, I've recently been thinking of obtaining a profesional diagnosis but I'm very anxious about approaching my Doctor. What can i do about this? Is there an alternative to my GP ?

Question three: Are there support groups for intelligent Aspie adults who're keen to offer each other practical support / encouragement to be independent in employment and work towards managing their relationships without the classic melt down, withdrawls and super high levsl of anxiety.

I have lots more questions, but this is enough for now. Many thanks for your help.

Willowtree

 

 

 

Parents

  • Hi Willowtree

    Re an attachment-related Psychotherapist with an in depth understanding of Aspergers - these are few and far between but in London you could do no better than Dr Peter Hobson at the Tavistock Clinic.  I would without question trust him with my son's emotional wellbeing.  Not sure if he is taking on patients but you could find out by ringing the Tavistock and enquiring.  The Tavi has block contracts with some nearby health authorities (not sure which ones) so if your HA is one of these, it should in theory be easier to obtain a referral. 

    You will probably have to go via your GP for a referral.  I know you wrote that you're anxious about seeing your GP and was wondering whether there is anyone who could go with you?

    Re diagnostic assessment - there is information here:

    http://www.autism.org.uk/About-autism/All-about-diagnosis/Diagnosis-the-process-for-adults.aspx

    Perhaps your Psychotherapist could refer you into the assessment process rather than your GP, as she already knows your case?

    Support groups - am afraid I cant help much here but am sure there are others who will know the answer to this question.

    I have great admiration for your tenacity and resourcefulness in having already got yourself to an attachment-related Psychotherapist.  I hope it all works out for you - best of luck.

    Zoe

Reply

  • Hi Willowtree

    Re an attachment-related Psychotherapist with an in depth understanding of Aspergers - these are few and far between but in London you could do no better than Dr Peter Hobson at the Tavistock Clinic.  I would without question trust him with my son's emotional wellbeing.  Not sure if he is taking on patients but you could find out by ringing the Tavistock and enquiring.  The Tavi has block contracts with some nearby health authorities (not sure which ones) so if your HA is one of these, it should in theory be easier to obtain a referral. 

    You will probably have to go via your GP for a referral.  I know you wrote that you're anxious about seeing your GP and was wondering whether there is anyone who could go with you?

    Re diagnostic assessment - there is information here:

    http://www.autism.org.uk/About-autism/All-about-diagnosis/Diagnosis-the-process-for-adults.aspx

    Perhaps your Psychotherapist could refer you into the assessment process rather than your GP, as she already knows your case?

    Support groups - am afraid I cant help much here but am sure there are others who will know the answer to this question.

    I have great admiration for your tenacity and resourcefulness in having already got yourself to an attachment-related Psychotherapist.  I hope it all works out for you - best of luck.

    Zoe

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