Published on 12, July, 2020
hi everyone, I’m new here so a bit nervous but here goes. A few months ago I realised that I have ASD. I’ve been done a lot of research, read about experiences of autistic people, talked about this to my friends and more. I told my mum that I wanted to get a diagnosis but she said it would limit my future opportunities. I feel that I am at the point where I need a official diagnosis to help me feel validated and get reassurance that I’m not just making it all up or faking it. I think I would likely be diagnosed with Aspergers, but don’t feel entirely comfortable using this label because of the term origins.
I am looking for any advice about how I can go about getting a diagnosis or just any general advice. Happy to answer any questions and any response is appreciated!
thank you, I appreciate your reply
As a teenager you probably qualify under the gillick criteria as a competent minor. This is the medical rule that lets children consent to therapy with out their parents consent. It’s the same basis upon which doctors give teenage girls the birth control pill without their parents knowing.
since the risk of the diagnostic process is effective nil and you seem very mature there is probably a strong argument that you are gillick competent for it.
you can ask your GP to refer you to the child and adolescent mental health service (asuming you’re young enough which I expect you are) for an autism assessment. Explain that you’d like this even if your parents object. CAMHS is usually a lot quicker than adult autism assessment but I’m not sure how long it will take especially given the pandemic.
You can see your GP to get a referral for NHS autistic assessment... it can take years though depending on your location.
If you get a diagnosis on the NHS, it will go on your medical records, but in general you are not obliged to tell prospective employers about it.
I didn't know I was autistic all my working life... but if I did there have definitely been employers I would have told - I could have used some small considerations to making my life easier (and my work more productive) - mainly involving noisy sites and excessive multi-tasking that I struggle with.
You sound pretty switched on with your research and discussions - I suspect the most significant help is already within your grasp... just being self-aware enough to self-diagnose hopefully means you can shape your life accordingly.
That being said, I self-diagnosed a few years ago and despite identifying with so many autistic descriptions, posts, videos etc. I had doubts as well sometimes... if I'm autistic how did I get jobs, make friends, get married etc.?
So I got my GP to refer me and had my assessment this morning. She said I was textbook Aspergers - I cried after the call.
Good luck.
Edit: I refer to my self as an autist, autistic or ASC - I don't feel any need to use Aspergers or even high-functioning.