Hi all , if possible i would like to know if anyone can help me with some information on diagnostic /referral times and how to pursue matters further with my local CCG.
after completing the following tests with my psychologist (MCMI-III , ASQ ,EQ ) she suggested i may have aspergers and said she would put me forward for more specialist testing.
after hearing nothing for 6 weeks i contacted who i was refereed to myself and have been told the waiting time is ...12 months , obviously - to me this is totally unacceptable as it is hindering my recovery and what treatment options are available to me.
i have read the NICE autism guidelines and under care pathway (taken from the autism quality standard) it says that
'People with possible autism who are referred to an autism team for a diagnostic assessment have the diagnostic assessment started within 3 months of their referral. '
the above also come under quality measures , this is a link to where i am looking..
pathways.nice.org.uk/.../autism
if anyone knows i would like to know how to pursue the matter (do i contact my GP or CCG and tell them 12 months is not good enough - if CCG who do i speak to? )
many thanks in advance
By definition GPs are not specialists. They may not be expected to be entirely responsible for making all referals for autism assessment. Ideally there would be direct access to autism assessments. Some children with autism are resistant to having to see a GP to get a referral. If autism assessments could be carried out in efficient assessment centres (schools?) perhaps the cost could come down. Autism needs to be diagnosed early in life when it is easier to notice. People generally learn coping techniques which mask the autism so diagnosis of adults is perhaps more difficult and expensive.
By definition GPs are not specialists. They may not be expected to be entirely responsible for making all referals for autism assessment. Ideally there would be direct access to autism assessments. Some children with autism are resistant to having to see a GP to get a referral. If autism assessments could be carried out in efficient assessment centres (schools?) perhaps the cost could come down. Autism needs to be diagnosed early in life when it is easier to notice. People generally learn coping techniques which mask the autism so diagnosis of adults is perhaps more difficult and expensive.
