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Has anyone received any NHS support for autism?

Tamarinda

I just got my autism diagnosis and am trying to get some post-diagnosis support. I sent an e-consult to my GP surgery requesting that they refer to me to a national autism service run by a London NHS trust.

They responded saying that I can't get referred to that service because I have to be referred to services within my own NHS trust, but as far as I can see there are no autism post-diagnostic services within my trust. The only thing they have is autism assessment or a service for people who are at risk of admitted to a mental health unit (which I am not).

The surgery has booked me an appointment with a mental health nurse to discuss but I feel anxious about this as I expect she will want to refer me to generic mental health services which are not targeted at autism.

I'm currently receiving counselling through NHS Talking Therapies but it is not specific for autism. It is useful just to talk about my general anxiety and worries but the therapist doesn't really understand the specific issues related to autism.

Curious to know if anyone has received any post-diagnostic support through NHS? If not, what sort of support have you found helpful?

Parents

  • to be fair - just connect with other Autistics and Neurodivergents = find your tribe.  Theer may be some local or online groups you can join .  be careful of some charities - they can have non-lived experience and have out-dated ways of support - that is largely focused on kids, parents or level 3 adults and their carers, which won;t be much use to the vast majority of us

    NHS therapy will not be suitable or useful for NDs.  There's no support - 

    just a few good books - learn about yourself it will take 12-18 months+ - & learn to be kind to yourself

  • in reply to Jalapeno

    I have been reading lots of books and doing research but I’d find it useful to talk things through with someone,

    I’ve found one online support group which meets once a month. I haven’t managed to find anything in-person.

    I will probably end up paying for a neuro-affirming therapist but I can’t afford it atm as I’m on sick leave and only receiving statutory sick pay,

    I feel pretty alone with everything.

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  • in reply to Jalapeno

    I have been reading lots of books and doing research but I’d find it useful to talk things through with someone,

    I’ve found one online support group which meets once a month. I haven’t managed to find anything in-person.

    I will probably end up paying for a neuro-affirming therapist but I can’t afford it atm as I’m on sick leave and only receiving statutory sick pay,

    I feel pretty alone with everything.

Children
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