Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
I'm a 28-year-old woman and I strongly believe I have high-functioning Asperger's - I was just wondering if anyone here had successfully obtained a private diagnosis of ASD without having to be referred by a GP? I'm in the North East but there doesn't seem to be anywhere offering this around here.
My reason for seeking a diagnosis is just to put the problems that I've had all my life into context - I'm not seeking any NHS help or any benefits.
I very much doubt I would get a referral from my GP (or any other doctor) as I'm sure it seems that outwardly I am 'coping' - I have a partner and a full-time job, and a range of (fake) social skills that I have been able to mimic from others, but this is all very much an act which is exhausting to perform every day.
I also fully accept that my Aspergers is not causing me as many problems as it does for others, and this is another reason that I would feel uncomfortable taking up a space on an NHS diagnosis waiting list.
Many thanks in advance for your help :)
(PS - Yes I know I'm extremely lucky to be able to afford a private diagnosis - I'm only able to afford it because I was left a small amount of money when my alcoholic mother (who I believe also had AS) died last year. I'm certainly not rich by any means)
Possibly a bit too late to reply, but I recently had an adult private diagnosis, which I arranged from overseas with no referral. I contacted the clinic by email. The clinician is female, very experienced and extremely sympathetic.
http://axia-asd.co.uk/
Senor How much was the diagnosis from axia if you don't mind me asking?
I'll try and send you a private message on that. A bit more than you mentioned, but no hidden extras.
Hi Miamoo
check out Odd Girl Out (Laura James), Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate (Cynthia Kim)...
also the Musings of an Aspie site is good...below is a long list of compiled profile traits particularly focused on women by Tania Marshall. I found the latter very interesting as the two books tend to focus on the authors personal experience but do include some good strategies. You can read sample content of both online.
https://taniaannmarshall.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/moving-towards-a-female-profile-the-unique-characteristics-abilities-and-talents-of-asperwomen-adult-women-with-asperger-syndrome/
hope you find them useful. Ellie
She is the person I would be referred to if I asked my GP for a NHS referral, so that's good, she asked the name of my GP practice, to check for me.