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Diagnosis

NAS77224

Hi all, I've just joined today.

I was wondering whether there are any other ways to try and get a diagnosis without going through my GP? My GP practice is doing the COVID thing in a big way and are not 'into' people contacting them asking to be referred to a specialist Autism person. It is literally only a couple of weeks or so that I stumbled upon Aspergers/Austism Spectrum; and me. A good mate of mine (who is autistic) said I should do some tests so I've done a couple.

Strangely, as a writer, everything seems to make sense now, more than it did before.

I've been struggling and denying since I was a child that maybe, just maybe I was on the Autism Spectrum.

Just wondering whether there are other ways to get a 'proper' diagnosis without going through the usual GP channels.

I'm unemployed and have been on and off for years because I cannot hack people -- at all, and, as for social things -- no way! can't hack any of these situations.

Job interviews? don't even go there. Every single one of them I blow my chances. It's not because I don't want the job, it's just the job hunting process, and the inevitable problems I encounter with interviewers. They don't have a clue, and maybe, nor do I. I have no idea what I should say, do, speak about, dress, act. It's utter hell. If there was hell on earth, than it would be for me at least, the interview process. 

I thought there was something 'wrong' with me, and been feeling this way for more years than I can remember. As a child I had several mental aberration 'events' too. Not proud of them but they just happened. Can't explain why or how.

Meltdowns? all the time! and with the COVID scenario, even more meltdowns. On the plus side, however, I am more than happy not to maintain any eye contact whatsoever. Wearing a mask? not a problem!

But Strangely, COVID has made my world a lot more difficult and hostile for me to navigate through. It has become more overwhelming than any other time in my life. It's just too much.

Before COVID, I could deal with (ish) overwhelming situations with a certain decorum and control. Now? Not at all.

Hope this community can help, and if so. Thank you all, in advance, for even just reading this -- sorry it's so long; an outpouring of raw emotion, I feel.

R

Parents

  • I had issues getting a diagnosis through my GP. At first he just claimed there was no such service for adults within my area. I talked to the NAS to get advice and they emailed me a pre-written letter written by a solicitor reminding my GP that I am legally entitled to a diagnosis, referencing The Autism Act (2009)..

    I decided to be a little more subtle and contacted the surgery secretary. I basically put it from the perspective that my doctor had been denied a diagnostic service for me and that this letter may help him in insisting the NHS provided one. I thought that was probably a bit less confrontational than presenting the letter directly to the doctor and demanding. Furthermore, I suggested they may be able to make use of the letter in future should any more adults be in a similar situation.

    Anyway, I think this "catch more flies with honey than vinegar" approach may have helped because very shortly after that, the process began and I finally got my assessment last Friday. It took over two years, but Covid did help lengthen that period. All areas of interaction with the diagnostic service provider were excellent it's probably the best thing I've ever done. I get the full write up in about a month or so but my diagnosis was confirmed firmly on the day this eliminating any anxiety waiting for the outcome.

    Anyway, I hope this helps.

    All the best,

    Mark

Reply

  • I had issues getting a diagnosis through my GP. At first he just claimed there was no such service for adults within my area. I talked to the NAS to get advice and they emailed me a pre-written letter written by a solicitor reminding my GP that I am legally entitled to a diagnosis, referencing The Autism Act (2009)..

    I decided to be a little more subtle and contacted the surgery secretary. I basically put it from the perspective that my doctor had been denied a diagnostic service for me and that this letter may help him in insisting the NHS provided one. I thought that was probably a bit less confrontational than presenting the letter directly to the doctor and demanding. Furthermore, I suggested they may be able to make use of the letter in future should any more adults be in a similar situation.

    Anyway, I think this "catch more flies with honey than vinegar" approach may have helped because very shortly after that, the process began and I finally got my assessment last Friday. It took over two years, but Covid did help lengthen that period. All areas of interaction with the diagnostic service provider were excellent it's probably the best thing I've ever done. I get the full write up in about a month or so but my diagnosis was confirmed firmly on the day this eliminating any anxiety waiting for the outcome.

    Anyway, I hope this helps.

    All the best,

    Mark

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