Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all,
I'm 47 and was told recently by a mental health professional that I might be autistic. I started doing some research and writing out a list of my 'traits', and man was I surprised (like many people, my understanding of autism was poor). I’ve also done several online tests, such as those on the embrace autism site, and they all came back with fairly convincing results.
My GP agrees regarding the possibility of autism and has referred me for the full assessment, but the NHS waiting list is two to three years. Private is £2,000! So I'm in limbo.
On the one hand, it would a huge relief if I were diagnosed as autistic because it would answer a lot of questions I've had about myself my whole life. It would also help massively with work. On the other, I'm not sure who I am anymore since I'm beginning to understand about masking and the coping strategies I've used over the years. Add to that the fact I'll have to wait a long time to even find out and get any kind of support.
So I’d really appreciate any advice any of you can give on the following:
Anything you find useful would be most welcome as well.
I’m also keen to avoid sounding like I’m self-diagnosing because I want/need it to be autism. I just to understand myself better. I don’t know how to handle that either. There’s a lot I’m struggling to handle right now
Thanks!
I'd recommend going via Right to Choose. It's done by a private company but paid for by the NHS and the wait at the moment is about 6 months or so. I went via Psychiatry UK and they have lots of useful info on their website. You print the pre written letter and I think the AQ-50 and then you can give it to the GP and ask them to refer you!
I wish I could offer more advice but I was only diagnosed last week and am still struggling to come to terms with it all.
Best of luck with your journey and I hope others can offer some more advice than I can.
That's great, thank you! I used the Autism Service Directory on here after I'd posted that and saw a few places that mention the referral. I'll look into it. Good luck to you, too. I know how you feel!