Unsure

Hi

They can use the CBT to help complete the referal or they certainly did with mine as it was still in their filing ..... So make the most of it if offered it again.  That is how I got recognised by the way. I had some CBT then a year off and referred myself for it again. The second time it began to felt like i was being passed from pillar to post as they suggested someone in another department who specialises in what I was saying I felt lacking... This time it was a genuine being passed to another department and I was peaved at the first session but stuck with it. It kind of took them couple of month (0ver the time) to take a real detailed history and collect the previous CBT stuff I had done and at the end of the block she kept asking me if I wanted to know what it was.... I didn't think it was anything having been through mental health etc.... It was them who referred me for Asperger's. Autism was the end result. Or rather Atypical Autism - 2/3'rds Autism with NOS-PDD.  The book declares it not a helpful diagnosis but for me it was a 'heaven sent' diagnosis. I was that worried about what would happen if they said it wasn't anything on the ASD scale and starting again somehow but then I kept telling me, it wasn't me that made the referal, it was a CBT Psychologist.  It Autism but it not as my occupational nurse keeps saying at times. But basically for general public it easier to say autism because I do very much need that other process to things and been told I can apply for any benefits saying Autism and tick that box on forms. I have just completed a medical for Pips and awaiting that. I don't think I will get full amount because physically I am able. It social-ness and shyness and what happens when things go wrong and needing that little bit extra understanding and things. I relate to the jigsaw puzzle piece very well in that feels like some pieces are missing. I need that help to sort it. 

I found CBT easy enough whilst in the sessions but it really isn't something I find I can do on my own.....  I these days share with a trusted person and that helps lots for me.

Hope you get somewhere with something. I took a long time I know that but that because I am looking back over that period. It took forever between referal and assesment. Before Referal it also took forever but because I wasn't aware of what 'they' were thinking.... that was easy to go through as such.

Tony Attwood recommends CBT, but says it needs to be done with someone who understands Aspergers. I assume this is because CBT is normally used to "cure" people, but with Aspergers there is no cure, so you need to learn to adapt.

10 years ago, before I knew anything about Aspergers, I had what I thought was my mid life crisis, and saw various counsellors, including some who did CBT. I listened to all the messages about positive thinking and going outside my comfort zone, and ended up in the biggest mess I've ever been in, that I still haven't got out of. So from my experience, I'd say that CBT, or any counselling, with someone who doesn't understand Aspergers, is potentially harmful, if you think you're on the spectrum.

Just my personal view, as it seems there's little consistency in the experience everyone has with assessment and treatments, and I won't even be sure I'm anywhere on the spectrum until I get my results on Wednesday.

Thanks asparagus that seems a good idea. I have had CBT in the past but might try that again.

I know whatever my mind set is, whether aspergers or depression or anxiety it affects my interaction with people. I have serious trouble talking to people. When I went to job interviews they said I was too quiet and timid and anything I had prepared to say would fly out of my head. But that may just be anxiety. 

I'll try not to over think things before I see someone

I didn't read anything before any assessment as it was Cognitive Behavioural Psychologist who suggested this outcome to me and referred me.  I think it far better to go to these assessments without knowing much about the condition because then you are totally open.  But mind they have a few years worth of CBT on me and a very detailed history from the Pschologist handed over at the referall. We can read too much and take on beahvours that aren't ours without realising it. 

It also depends on quite how much you need the help in life at the present too so I read on here and I can relate to that for my life.

By all means if you are questioning it, then book an appointment with the Doctor to discuss that only. You mayn't be referred to an assessment straight away. They may suggest CBT first. Don't turn it down, it can all help work out what really is happening for you and help you in the long term :-)

Hi pixiefox

Thanks for the advice I'll have a nose through the posts on here you suggested before I decide what to do next. Yep did that test and it came up with 36. Would that be an accurate test do you think?

But indeed I am a female I'll read up on that too :). Thanks again

Hi Chrissy and welcome to the forum 

Have you taken the AQ (autism quotient) test? This was developed as a measurement of Autistic traits in adults and if you score 32 or more it's highly likely you're on the autism spectrum. It's available on many websites such as this one:psychology-tools.com/.../

If you get a score of 32 or more you will have to decide if you want a diagnosis. The GP would be the first step for this. But think about this carefully, as it can cause problems for some adults. If you don't need support for day to day living you may not get an "official" diagnosis even if you are referred for assessment, as it's viewed by many specialists as a disability (which it isn't, although it can lead to other problems such as depression). Read some of the other posts on here regarding advice and information on diagnosis for adults (see the sections on diagnosis and adults on the Autistic spectrum)

I gave my AQ results to the GP I saw and he offered me a referral but I declined as I don't need support. The AQ test results and offer of a referral, combined with what I read about aspergers, made me realise that I do have it. I infer from your name that you are female?  Us women with aspergers present differently to males and often are not diagnosed. The traits of aspie females are described on the website taniaannmarshall.wordpress.com

All the best

Pixie