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Diagnosis Terror

Brontosaurus

Morning all. I've suspected I'm autistic for about 3 years now having been "peer reviewed" by other neurodiverse friends and relatives. Have had mental health problems and presumably burnouts (lost jobs, friends etc) nearly 40 years etc etc. My GP suggested Right to Choose but I'm terrified having read some of the reviews of places clearly unsuitable and providing poor services. Is there really any benefit to a formal diagnosis and does anyone have any advice about negotiating this labyrinth?

Parents

  • The decision to seek a formal diagnosis is a personal one. Ultimately it may not change anything, but could enable you to get additional support if needed or ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at work. I was in my early 40s when I was diagnosed and it was the validation aspect that made such a huge difference to me and that has made it easier for me to deal with the challenges I’ve always had. I appreciate the wait times are daunting, but perhaps it’s worth getting on the list now rather than continuing to think about it and then having to wait longer. As for poor services, reviews will help you identify the better clinics. When I was looking I researched clinics that had experience working with older autistic women for example rather than one that was mostly assessing children. The other option is a private assessment, but I appreciate not everyone can spare the money for these.

Reply

  • The decision to seek a formal diagnosis is a personal one. Ultimately it may not change anything, but could enable you to get additional support if needed or ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at work. I was in my early 40s when I was diagnosed and it was the validation aspect that made such a huge difference to me and that has made it easier for me to deal with the challenges I’ve always had. I appreciate the wait times are daunting, but perhaps it’s worth getting on the list now rather than continuing to think about it and then having to wait longer. As for poor services, reviews will help you identify the better clinics. When I was looking I researched clinics that had experience working with older autistic women for example rather than one that was mostly assessing children. The other option is a private assessment, but I appreciate not everyone can spare the money for these.

Children
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