Published on 12, July, 2020
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.
Good advice by Dawn.
I would also add that if you do try again with a GP it might help to go armed with the current Nice guidelines:
For adults with possible autism who do not have a moderate or severe learning disability, consider using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10). (If a person has reading difficulties, read out the AQ-10.) If a person scores 6 or above on the AQ-10, or autism is suspected based on clinical judgement (taking into account any past history provided by an informant), offer a comprehensive assessment for autism.
It might also help if you can think of some real life examples to support the answers you have provided in the online tests.