• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 26 subscribers
  • Views 1443 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Being referred

Ellioru

My partner is 25 and believes he has Aspergers. When he was younger a few of his teachers mentioned it to his parents but for whatever reason his parents didn't go any further with it.

He went through a few tests online and we decided to pursue it. He saw the Doctor a few weeks ago and the Dr tried putting my partner off going any further as it would effect his life for the worse (i.e career prospects would be gone, etc) - he gave my partner a questionnaire to fill out in his own time and to come back in 2 weeks. When I was told what the Dr said I was annoyed, and it definitely put my partner off going back.

After some discussions recently we filled out the questionnaire and he got 10/10, which says on the sheet he should be referred. Today he went back to the Drs and was told they would not refer him as he is too old, he needs to do it private. The Dr then decided that my Partner has depression and that's that. I am just gobsmacked, I really am. 

What options do we have? He is struggling with everyday life and I want him to be able to get the support he wants.

Parents

  • You are never too old to be referred for assessment. I am 26 and was diagnosed when I was 21, so not much younger than your partner. There are people being diagnosed on the NHS in their 40s and even older. The doctor is breaking the law - the Autism Act states that age is not a criterion for assessment. You need to go back and demand an assessment, and mention the Autism Act and what it says.

    A GP cannot decide whether or not your partner has Asperger's - they are not qualified to do so.

    See a different Doctor if your current one continues to refuse referral.

Reply

  • You are never too old to be referred for assessment. I am 26 and was diagnosed when I was 21, so not much younger than your partner. There are people being diagnosed on the NHS in their 40s and even older. The doctor is breaking the law - the Autism Act states that age is not a criterion for assessment. You need to go back and demand an assessment, and mention the Autism Act and what it says.

    A GP cannot decide whether or not your partner has Asperger's - they are not qualified to do so.

    See a different Doctor if your current one continues to refuse referral.

Children
No Data