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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

    Our factsheet for people with the condition which includes personal accounts, may be of interest:
    http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/adults-with-autism-or-asperger-syndrome.aspx

    The link Zoe has given above is a good place to get more information about about diagnosis.

    It is important that the person you see has experience of autism spectrum disorders. Details of diagnostic services can be found on our Autism Services Directory: www.autismdirectory.org.uk.

    The AQ test was developed by a team of psychologists to measure autistic traits in adults. It is not a means of diagnosis but may indicate the need for further assessment. If the results are significant it is also worth taking it along to the GP. The test can be taken at the following link: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html

    It might also help to pass on information about autism to health professionals when seeking a diagnosis. The following page includes information for a range of health professionals:
    http://www.autism.org.uk/Working-with/Health.aspx

    The link to the Autism Services Directory above may also be helpful in your search for specialist therapy services and for local support groups. You could also use it to find out how to contact your nearest NAS branch who may have information about social/support groups in your area.

    Of course if any of our users have any suggestions, that would be very helpful.

    Good luck.

    Sandra

Reply

  • Hi Willowtree

    Our factsheet for people with the condition which includes personal accounts, may be of interest:
    http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/adults-with-autism-or-asperger-syndrome.aspx

    The link Zoe has given above is a good place to get more information about about diagnosis.

    It is important that the person you see has experience of autism spectrum disorders. Details of diagnostic services can be found on our Autism Services Directory: www.autismdirectory.org.uk.

    The AQ test was developed by a team of psychologists to measure autistic traits in adults. It is not a means of diagnosis but may indicate the need for further assessment. If the results are significant it is also worth taking it along to the GP. The test can be taken at the following link: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html

    It might also help to pass on information about autism to health professionals when seeking a diagnosis. The following page includes information for a range of health professionals:
    http://www.autism.org.uk/Working-with/Health.aspx

    The link to the Autism Services Directory above may also be helpful in your search for specialist therapy services and for local support groups. You could also use it to find out how to contact your nearest NAS branch who may have information about social/support groups in your area.

    Of course if any of our users have any suggestions, that would be very helpful.

    Good luck.

    Sandra

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