How do I go about getting assessed?

Post Reply New Topic

Hello everyone,

About six months ago my sons mum told me his school thought he was showing signs of being somewhat autistic. She explained the things they had pointed out about him and I realised that these all applied to me also. I’d always assumed he was just like me because I’d raised him and thought he’d picked up some of my lacking social skills too.

After this I he done a few online tests and it occurred to me that it seemed like most of the questions had been written specifically for me and made me aware of things that I’d never taken notice of but assumed affected everyone anyway.

So, I mentioned to my friend this weekend that I was thinking about going to a doctor to get assessed and he jumped in saying “for autism?”

I was shocked. I asked if I’d mentioned it before and he said no, but said he thought it was obvious. Haha.

Well, I wish someone had told me.

I’m worried about going to a gp as I dotnnknwonhownto explain it and don’t want to be casually turned away. How do I get assessed and where do I go.

Sorry for rambling on.

Cheers,

Pauly.

Are the below true about you?

1. You have and have had since as long as you can remember, obsessive special interests that prohibit you living a normal life and adversely affect those close to you.

2. You have and have had since as long as you can remember, problems with communication that prohibit you living a normal life and adversely affect those close to you.

3. You have and have had since as long as you can remember, difficulties with social interaction that prohibit you living a normal life and adversely affect those close to you.

4.You have and have had since as long as you can remember, sensory issues that prohibit you living a normal life and adversely affect those close to you.

If so, book an appointment with your GP and tell him these 4 things.

Then ask for a referral to someone who is qualified to diagnosed autism under the NICE guidleines.

If the GP refuses, ask for the reason why.

If you get an NHS referral it may take up to a year to be seen.

If you want to progress is privately, Google your hometown + autism.

It's up to you how you proceed, but I have benefitted greatly from obtaining an official diagnosis.

Good luck.

Welcome to WP, Pauly.

I'd advise you to take a copy of the online tests that you've done. If your GP queries why you would do this, or suggests that you may be a hypochondriac desperate to "self-diagnose", point out to them that these tests are often used formally as part of the screening process within autism assessment units, where they are accepted as clinically significant (the tests designed by the faculty at Cambridge University are commonly used here in the UK). They will also act as "cue cards" for you, so that you don't forget to mention something significant due to the time pressure of a GP consultation (if you can pre-book a longer appointment, all the better.)

If you are comfortable doing so, I would also mention that a health professional has also indicated the likelihood of autism in your son, as there is very often a hereditary component to autism.

Note also that NHS patients in the UK have a legal right to a second opinion if they are not completely happy with a GP's handling of their issues.

I should also forewarn you to be prepared for the long haul. In the first instance, you might be referred to your local mental health team for screening, which can take a couple of months. Once referred to an assessment unit, waiting times can be very long - our local unit has sometimes suspended new referrals due to excessive waiting times.