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Failed ASD assessment - need a second opinion

rk1103

Hi, 

I had an ASD assessment 5 months ago where they decided I did not come under the "Aspergers" category even though I scored highly on most of the assessments.Some of their justifications was that I had worked before, have good qualifications, interested in sports (apparently that is not narrow or strange enough) and have done some public speaking. I find this laughable given that I have met so many people who have an aspergers diagnosis who have done all these things - in fact they are the some of the best public speakers I have seen. Its actually left my fuming for the past few months as I had to leave my job due to bullying and am currently looking to move into a new career. I have suffered from depression, OCD, social anxiety and had suicidal thoughts - the ASD assessment would have been a step in the right direction in my opinion as I know I have a lot of the traits although I am very good at masking it which makes it less obvious to people. I have been on medication and refuse to take psychological therapy as I have had years of it in the past and I think its a load of rubbish especially if one already knows what coping mechanisms to use. My depression is getting worse as a result of this failed assessment as It feels like I have robbed of something I should have been given and will have to suffer the consequences for the rest of my life - especially when finding work. 

I desperately need a diagnosis to help me with my future - I am looking to find work in the IT sector and a lot of companies do give assistance in interviews to people on the autistic spectrum. Is there any way I coud get a second assessment through the NHS or would I need to do this privately ? I am not sure my GP would refer my again given that they had received a report from the psychologists saying that I do not come under the category. Would anyone know/suggest any good private centers which have experienced psychologists specialising in ASD ?

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  • Martian Tom said:

    Hi rk1103,

    I'm sorry to read this.  I've also worked all of my life, have a degree, and have done public speaking and performance.  I got my diagnosis last year, though, in spite of these things - and taking due account of the fact that I've had to learn and adapt a great deal.  I've had years of depression and anxiety, though - and still get anxious now in any situation involving other people, even though I can manage them better than before.

    Is there no way that you can challenge the decision directly with the assessors?  Are you able to lodge some form of appeal, backed up by your GP?  I got my initial referral via a psychological therapist I was seeing at the time, so I don't know if that gave any weight to it.

    I'm sorry I can't be of more help - but yes, it does sound like the criteria they're using to 'clear' you is unfair.

    Hi, 

    Thanks for your message. Its been 5 months since I had the appointment so I think challenging the assssment now would be a bit late - besides I don't really want to go back to the same assessors again as their methodology and views about autism/aspergers in general seem to be very rigid (more a tick box exercise rather than treating it more on a per person basis). Im not sure Ill get another NHS referral through my GP given that the report wasn't a positive diagnosis. I guess my only hope is a private assessment if there is a chance I could do it without a GP referral- but thats going to be quite costly.  

    rk1103

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  • Martian Tom said:

    Hi rk1103,

    I'm sorry to read this.  I've also worked all of my life, have a degree, and have done public speaking and performance.  I got my diagnosis last year, though, in spite of these things - and taking due account of the fact that I've had to learn and adapt a great deal.  I've had years of depression and anxiety, though - and still get anxious now in any situation involving other people, even though I can manage them better than before.

    Is there no way that you can challenge the decision directly with the assessors?  Are you able to lodge some form of appeal, backed up by your GP?  I got my initial referral via a psychological therapist I was seeing at the time, so I don't know if that gave any weight to it.

    I'm sorry I can't be of more help - but yes, it does sound like the criteria they're using to 'clear' you is unfair.

    Hi, 

    Thanks for your message. Its been 5 months since I had the appointment so I think challenging the assssment now would be a bit late - besides I don't really want to go back to the same assessors again as their methodology and views about autism/aspergers in general seem to be very rigid (more a tick box exercise rather than treating it more on a per person basis). Im not sure Ill get another NHS referral through my GP given that the report wasn't a positive diagnosis. I guess my only hope is a private assessment if there is a chance I could do it without a GP referral- but thats going to be quite costly.  

    rk1103

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