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Guidance for Adults for Assessment & Diagnosis through the NHS

IntenseWorld

Here is information on what to do to get assessed:

http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/all-about-diagnosis/diagnosis-information-for-adults/how-do-i-get-a-diagnosis.aspx (NAS also have a helpline)

Here is a shortened version of the AQ50 (a validated test by Simon Baron-Cohen et al used in ASC assessments) which GP's should use as a screening tool prior to referral:

Link to AQ10 (autism quotient screening questionnaire): http://docs.autismresearchcentre.com/tests/AQ10.pdf (complete and take to GP).

Please note, your GP cannot fob you off with comments such as "there is no support for adults" or "we have no facility to assess locally" etc. You are entitled to an out-of-area assessment if there is no local clinic.

Your right to a second opinion on the NHS.

NHS choices regarding treatment, hospital, clinician etc.  Here is NHS Choose & Book.

NHS statement on referrals entitlement here and here.

Check (and leave) reviews of your clinic or hospital before you choose.  You may also read and leave reviews here by selecting your place of treatment from the menu.

Here is a quote from the Department of Health:

"Patients currently have the right to choose the organisation that provides their treatment when they are referred for their first outpatient appointment with a service led by consultants, and to information to support that choice. Any choice beyond this is at the discretion of the individual primary care trust (PCT). 

You may be aware that the Government has made a number of commitments relating to extending the choice of treatment and provider in the vast majority of NHS-funded services. Views on implementing these commitments were collected in the subsequent public consultation Greater choice and control. The formal responses to the consultation are being published on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk and can be found by typing ‘Greater choice and control’ in the search bar. 

The NHS Standard Contract states that providers must accept referrals for any patient who chooses that provider and whom it is within their clinical competence to treat. 

I would suggest that patients contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at their local PCT, which can be found through the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. PALS will be able to contact and investigate this issue with the chosen provider."

NHS statement on referrals entitlement: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1094.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=153

and

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/doctors/Pages/gp-referrals.aspx 

NHS NICE guidelines here: http://www.nice.org.uk/CG142 

Autism Strategy here: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/151844/dh_122910.pdf.pdf 

If you need to complain to the NHS about their failures, here: 

http://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/complaints/Pages/NHScomplaints.aspx 

Anyone facing trouble getting their GP to listen, contact your local councillor here: 

http://www.writetothem.com/ 

If you do not get sufficient help from them, go to your MP here: 

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/ 

There is also the Lords but they have no duty to reply to members of the public: 

http://www.writetothem.com/lords

(Mods: please could this be made into a sticky?)

Parents

  • Hi

    I'm 35 & was diagnosed in 2012 by Department of Neuropsychology in Reading, as having aspergers syndrome.

    I was sent results from the clinical psychologist:

    1) AQ                                               Score 49

    2) Cambridge Behavioural Scale      Score 2

    3) Relatives Questionnaire               Score 29

    4) Had Anxiety                                 Score 19

               Despression                          Score 21

    5) AAA Symptom Score                   Score 13

    But it didn't give any detail about the severity of everyday life problems. Nor any instruction to professionals. It makes it seem like I'm fine. As there was nothing about seeing anyone or any help. It just recommended further investigation of my blackouts & that I read aspergirls.

    I'm due to see a GP on Friday. I rarely see GPs due to finding going extremely distressing, which unfortunately they don't see. Although the assessment helped me get DLA in 2012, my PIP claim was refused this year when I couldn't get to the interview. This time they refused to accept I couldn't attend. I don't undertstand why. Maybe it's because I have no real proof of my problems. I don't know how to ask a GP for help with proof.

    I feel so angry because in 2014 my young daughter was almost removed by court order due to the LA abusing my aspergers diagnosis. The LA claimed I was a recluse & not fit to parent. My child has had social workers. But I've never had an adult social worker for myself. They don't seem to exist in Wokingham. And when it suits professionals they claim I'm fine. I don't get it?

Reply

  • Hi

    I'm 35 & was diagnosed in 2012 by Department of Neuropsychology in Reading, as having aspergers syndrome.

    I was sent results from the clinical psychologist:

    1) AQ                                               Score 49

    2) Cambridge Behavioural Scale      Score 2

    3) Relatives Questionnaire               Score 29

    4) Had Anxiety                                 Score 19

               Despression                          Score 21

    5) AAA Symptom Score                   Score 13

    But it didn't give any detail about the severity of everyday life problems. Nor any instruction to professionals. It makes it seem like I'm fine. As there was nothing about seeing anyone or any help. It just recommended further investigation of my blackouts & that I read aspergirls.

    I'm due to see a GP on Friday. I rarely see GPs due to finding going extremely distressing, which unfortunately they don't see. Although the assessment helped me get DLA in 2012, my PIP claim was refused this year when I couldn't get to the interview. This time they refused to accept I couldn't attend. I don't undertstand why. Maybe it's because I have no real proof of my problems. I don't know how to ask a GP for help with proof.

    I feel so angry because in 2014 my young daughter was almost removed by court order due to the LA abusing my aspergers diagnosis. The LA claimed I was a recluse & not fit to parent. My child has had social workers. But I've never had an adult social worker for myself. They don't seem to exist in Wokingham. And when it suits professionals they claim I'm fine. I don't get it?

Children
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