Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, I'm new to the world of autism. I'm not actually diagnosed quite yet but I am almost positive I'm on the spectrum. I've done online tests and each one agreed I was likely autistic and I've read up on it so many times and I have a lot of traits that match up. I'm tempted to go private, the waiting is causing distress to me and I have a lot else on my plate at the same time and struggle to balance it all out.
That is one of my questions which I am hoping you can advise me on. Should I continue waiting or go private for the diagnosis? I'm not sure if it will be any faster and also if it's as good as the NHS. I went private for dentist before lockdown and I found it was worse. Not sure what to do here.
My other problem is anxiety. I'm constantly anxious and I read up on it and read about things to do like breathing exercises but they didn't work for me. I also tried yoga and that didn't work either. Any advice for this is welcome.
Last is sleeping. I don't sleep much. I get about three hours and then I'm awake again and feel refreshed. I spend most of the night awake doing things I also do during the day. But I don't think it's insomnia because I feel awake, it's not like I'm dead tired all the time. Has anyone else been like this?
If it's ok to do so I'm going to continue posting my journey here.
Private might be your answer, but bare in mind a few things.
1) Check out with your Trust what the policy is if you get a private assessment. Mine will not re-assess anyone who has a private assessment but will not provide post diagnostic support either. Some areas I hear will only accept NHS diagnosis, others it makes no difference. This is of course all nuts. What matters, or should matter is that you get one that has been properly done. However, whatever your local answer is will feed your decision, I'm sure.
2) As with dentists; private can be way better than the NHS or indeed worse. Just as some NHS services are excellent in some post codes and rubbish in others. I've heard poor tales of some NHS diagnostic services, but also met with private clinical psychologists who genuinely do know what they are talking about, who have been called upon to sort out some shoddily done assessments either telling people they are autistic when they aren't, or aren't when they are which were done privately. So, moral of the story is really check out the qualification set and experience of the person and their reputation.
Personally, I went with the NAS's own diagnostic service; the Lorna Wing Centre, so I knew I was in the hands of the best. And they were excellent! Although private, they too had a waiting list, albeit much shorted than the NHS.
3) If you do go private, I wouldn't leave the NHS waiting list until you have had your private assessment and are happy it's right.
I just sent an email to the Lorna Wing Centre. Hopefully I will hear back soon.
Hello Dawn, thank you very much. This has given me a lot of options to consider and think over. It's always good to get others opinions and suggestions for things like this I think. It gives you things from a different angle and is a big help for me.
It does seem to be area related for private and NHS service quality. The private dentist I saw was terrible. No understanding or support and in my opinion, quite rude. But it was quicker private and I prefer seeing people quicker as waiting makes me anxious. My mother assured me they were the best but I disagree, not good at all.
That is perfect. I looked up the Lorna Wing Centre and it's very close to where I live, maybe a sign that I need to follow the route you took Dawn. Did you find them patient? I find with myself people need to be patient with me as I get worked up fast and am prone to fainting. Are you comfortable sharing how long you had to wait? Just so I have a rough idea.
I think I will do the same as you did Dawn but I will stay on the NHS waiting list for now just in case.
Thank you very much Dawn.