How to go about being tested for autism?

Hi, I'm kate, I'm 26 and i believe I'm one of those people who has gone through life suffering because nobody noticed that i was different from most people. I think i have autism and in particular, asperger's. It affects me in all aspects of my life: socially, my education and career, family life and communication amongst other things. I'm wondering if anybody has any advice for how to go about being tested for autism/aspergers? I have already been to my GP and they said that the waiting list is so long, that they're not allowed to add anyone else to it. I have tried to contact AWARE and they said i have to be referred by my GP before they'll see me. I'm on antidepressants for my anxiety, stress and to stop me from becoming depressed.

Thanks for any comments SmirkNo mouth

Parents
  • Hi Kate, welcome to the forum. 

    Bluntly speaking your GP is talking complete s£&@ GP’s have a statutory duty to ensure a clear diagnostic pathway for adults with suspected ASD. I suggest you return to your GP armed with the nice guidelines on diagnosing ASD in adults (available on this website); a copy of your results of one or more online Autism Quotient tests. Neurodiverse scale is also a good test; and a couple of sides of A4 about what symptoms you suffer and how they affect you and impact on your day-to-day functioning. Insist that he refers you, I had to get assertive to get my referral. If you need support to help you do that then maybe take a family member or friend with you to the appointment. Good luck

Reply
  • Hi Kate, welcome to the forum. 

    Bluntly speaking your GP is talking complete s£&@ GP’s have a statutory duty to ensure a clear diagnostic pathway for adults with suspected ASD. I suggest you return to your GP armed with the nice guidelines on diagnosing ASD in adults (available on this website); a copy of your results of one or more online Autism Quotient tests. Neurodiverse scale is also a good test; and a couple of sides of A4 about what symptoms you suffer and how they affect you and impact on your day-to-day functioning. Insist that he refers you, I had to get assertive to get my referral. If you need support to help you do that then maybe take a family member or friend with you to the appointment. Good luck

Children
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