your GP willr efer you to a psychologist, who will possibly refer you for testing. thus taht person needs to know about as, not just be a regular psychologist, as the longer someone is undiagnosed, the less aparent many of their symptoms may be, as they repress them more- 'learn' to smile, practise making eye contact etc.
you should try to find out who can refer you in your area, and what the whole route is. try a local autism group- ask where the big local psychiatric unit is, and try calling them to ask who can make referrals.
there is a checklist on the NAS site to take to your GP- 'has trouble communicating, making friends' etc. you should also highlight to your GP any medical history to support this- behavioural problems noted? hearing tests? depression? etc all come up for most people who have late diagnosis.
it IS useful to have a diagnosis, as it will serve to explain, should you need it, your behaviour to some people; the police, housing dept, hospital staff- who may just otherwise think you are rude/ on drugs.
i currently have a £2,000 bus
fine (it kept increasing- NOW i face a possible jail sentence if i dont pay it- which i cant) as i forgot to swipe my bus pass, and then couldnt explain it to the inspector, as i couldnt speak properly. at the moment, i have no legal protection, as i have no dx- nice.
its also worth noting that thanks to a private members bill from a tory- which the goverment refused to back, and labour MPs tried to talk out, that there is a new autism bill coming in at the end of the year to establish minimum care and services requirements for autistic people.
a diagnosis is probably more useful if you have greater trouble coping with life- unable to do shopping, cant pay bills, look after onesself properly, than if you are find and in a job.
and it might take ages, too....
12 May 2009, 7:58 am
