Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all I'm new here and am waiting for a diagnosis. Just wondering if anyone else had the same problems I experienced getting to this stage.
I went to see my gp armed with a printout of the baron-cohen Aspergers test (scored 42/50). And told my gp I wanted to be referred. I was then told 'the NHS don't refer adults' (I am 37). I argued my point and told her that my suspicions of possibly having some form of autism were affecting my work and home life. She read through my test results and agreed to refer me although said that it may be rejected due to my age. This was 3 months ago. I have been chasing this on a regular basis and have been told numerous times that everything is fine and the referral has been made only to now find out it has gone to the wrong service and now has to start all over again. Have anyone else come across barriers from the NHS?
I approached GP to ask for a referal. I saw a registrar so she had to ask the senior GP's how to proceed. They responded with "there is no adult autism service in Norfolk and there's no point getting a diagnosis as an adult anyway.
I am not happy. I am taking it further and I WILL get the referal and assessment I feel I need and deserve.
Beaky8401 said:"there is no adult autism service in Norfolk and there's no point getting a diagnosis as an adult anyway.
There aren't any adult autism diagnosis services in Staffordshire either but I my GP referred me to a new service set up in the neighboring West Mids county instead. As others have pointed out they have to provide a pathway for all people regardless of their location or age. Once in the system it can take a long time too, from first approaching my GP to getting the written diagnosis in the post took 15 months for me but I've heard of it taking 2 or even 3 years. Keep persisting, you'll get there in the end but it really is a postcode lottery as to the service you get... good luck!