Seeking advice on UK diagnosis as an adult?

Post Reply New Topic

Hi there,

So, I really think that I have Aspergers - or somesort of ASD. I want to have an assesment done.

I'd like to contact the National Autistic Society for advice on where and how I could be assesed and for more information... (I know it's not them who actually assess people though.)

But I'm really nervous and worried about what to say?

What should I say? what might they ask? what type of assistance do they provide?

First stop is go talk to your GP.
They will probably refer you to the adult mental health team to assess if there is anything else going on.
Then wait and wait and wait for referral to specialist autism team, be prepared to be denied funding.
You can help by pushing for the referral and finding out from NAS where you could be assessed.

I got lucky because the psychiatrist I saw in the second step (adult mental health) had a particular interest in ASDs in adults and liaises closely with the local autistic society, and diagnosed me with an ASD. This has since been confirmed by a second psychiatrist.

I am, however, after a year of waiting, having a specialist assessment starting tomorrow. It will be interesting to see the results of this and also what support they are able to offer (I have been told this meeting is to assess my needs as well as my position on the spectrum).

For me - it started out with me asking my doctor that I'd like to be assessed for aspergers. He'll probably ask you why you think you may have AS and then usually they'll write to your local autism assessment team. You'll then undergo a series of interviews and questions about your whole life so be prepared to answer questions about when you were a lot younger as well as your life at the moment. Depending on your age they may also interview your parents. (This was the stage I copped out at because I didn't want my parents to find out I was being assessed for AS).

You can receive a host of different support depending on your age and whether you're in school/uni/work etc.
You can receive disability living allowance if they feel your AS hinders you enough. You can receive extra time in exams, a person to takes notes for you and tape recorders and stuff to record lectures and lessons. They can also set you up with local support groups and help you find a place to live if you need it.

so yeah I think that answers your questions. Good luck! Maybe I will have enough strength to finish the process when I get a bit older. I don't think it's the right time for me at the moment.

Thanks for your replies.

The thing I'm concerned about is the likely lack of an autism team in my area but I guess the GP will know (or be able to find out).

I already have Anxiety and Depression which I worry might hinder my chances of referral. Do I have to apply for funding?

I hope you find the strength to continue to finish the process JoeRose. I think it might be helpful if they talk to my parents, I've mentioned my thoughts on the possibility of an ASD before.

thanks again

I think every area in the UK has an autism team, that's pretty much a statutory requirement, the expertise and budget available will vary.

I've not heard anything particularly good about adults even receiving good advice from the NAS. They seem more geared up to take calls from parents, not the subjects themselves.

Jason