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 ?
