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How do I get an autism assessment?

Dave
over 1 year ago

Hi I'm 36 and recently had realisation through failed relationships and many other traits that I believe I'm autistic.

Yesterday I went to my GP and saw the actual Doctor and asked for a referral for an autism assessment and I explained why. 

The doctor clicked around on his computer for 15 mins whilst I'm sat Infront of him twiddling my thumbs and in the end he wrote a website down for me to visit and packed me off.

The website goes to a crisis team for mental health! I do not struggle with mental health, I do not have suicidal thoughts, or have depression or anything like that. I'm happy. I just think I'm autistic that's all.

The GP clearly had no idea how to refer me. 

Should the GP refer me or can I self refer for an assessment? 

I live in Kirklees district. 

Any help would be so much appreciated, thank you. 

Parents
  • over 1 year ago

    On the NHS a GP or MH would have to refer, I believe. Your GP has clearly understood nothing.

    I would do an AQ50. There are plenty online. The AQ10 or AQ 50 are the pre diagnostic questionnaires the professionals use to determine whether an assessment is warranted. It's not a diagnosis in itself but is a preliminary indicator of likelihood of being autistic. Print off the results. 

    I'd then write all the reasons you think you fit the profile including anything that has been problematic to you in the past and then go back to the GP. You might want to speak to reception and ask whether any of their GPs is specialised in neurodivergence and to see that one. Then tell them clearly you aren't in crisis but you think you need a referral for a psycho- neurological  assessment.

    The problem you might have is that if you aren't complaining of an MH problem some might be reluctant. Not fair! Just wanting to know to protect your future well being ought to be good enough, I know.

    If he or she does refer, you'll be in for a long wait.

    The other route is private. But a) it's expensive and b) you'd need to do your homework. There are good and bad providers out there. I self-referred to the NAS Lorna Wing Centre. They are great.

Reply
  • over 1 year ago

    On the NHS a GP or MH would have to refer, I believe. Your GP has clearly understood nothing.

    I would do an AQ50. There are plenty online. The AQ10 or AQ 50 are the pre diagnostic questionnaires the professionals use to determine whether an assessment is warranted. It's not a diagnosis in itself but is a preliminary indicator of likelihood of being autistic. Print off the results. 

    I'd then write all the reasons you think you fit the profile including anything that has been problematic to you in the past and then go back to the GP. You might want to speak to reception and ask whether any of their GPs is specialised in neurodivergence and to see that one. Then tell them clearly you aren't in crisis but you think you need a referral for a psycho- neurological  assessment.

    The problem you might have is that if you aren't complaining of an MH problem some might be reluctant. Not fair! Just wanting to know to protect your future well being ought to be good enough, I know.

    If he or she does refer, you'll be in for a long wait.

    The other route is private. But a) it's expensive and b) you'd need to do your homework. There are good and bad providers out there. I self-referred to the NAS Lorna Wing Centre. They are great.

Children