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bnky
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19 Dec 2012, 5:54 am

My GP referred me to a psychiatrist for Asperger's assessment. Psychiatrist appointment for ASD assessment on NHS took place in January 2012. The psychiatrist was certain that I have Asperger's, but apparently a diagnosis here needs to be confirmed by a specialist unit in London. Don't know if this is the case for everyone, or just for adults?
My appointment is finally going to happen at the end of this week...
Aargh!! Fretting and can't think of anything else:-S

My timespan for ASD assessment on NHS:
10 day wait for GP appointment
14 week wait for assessment by psychiatrist
11,5 month wait for 2nd assessment by specialist unit


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whirlingmind
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19 Dec 2012, 6:56 am

It's not normal procedure

Children are seen by a multi-disciplinary team and adults either by a clinician at a specialist unit, a psychiatrist or psychologist. It sounds as if your psychiatrist has referred you on for confirmation because AS isn't his area of expertise and he wants to get it verified.

I know it's really stress inducing, you'll be fine.


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zoid
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19 Dec 2012, 4:31 pm

A real assesment isn't going to happen for me.
No health insurance means I live on virtually no health care at all.
At this point I wouldn't want a diagnosis of AS on my record anyway.



featherbrained
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19 Dec 2012, 4:38 pm

me too, i'm waiting for mine...it's on january 2nd. i'm extremely nervous and scared about it. the specialist is coming to our house, and that's got me freaked out. i would feel so much better if she weren't coming to the house. i know she thinks she's helping (because i don't like going out) but it's not...because i usually feel safe here. this change, this invasion, disruption, has me all bent out of shape. i don't know why she's coming to our house. to observe me in my natural habitat? or what?!
i'm very freaked out.
in case that makes you feel better. i wish you the best.
what happened with me is that i went down to the 'mental health' center, talked to a counselor, he talked to a psychiatrist, together they referred me to a place that helps autistic people. i hope everything will be okay.



InnaLucia
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19 Dec 2012, 6:00 pm

I have been seen by the Adult Autism Team in my area, and have had lots of appointments with them. I have three more in January and then hopefully all the information should go to the person doing the diagnosing, and I should get the final report. I've also had appointments with the Mental Health Access Team, and the Secondary Team (a CPN and a doctor), and also the Occupational Therapy team. I first went to the doctor's to be referred in September 2011, and should be getting my diagnosis in January 2013.



compiledkernel
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19 Dec 2012, 6:18 pm

I recently attained my diagnosis, I understand the frustration and the anxiety, but dont let it get to you.

Its important to keep a clear head, and continue doing what you do to cope with the adversities as they happen.

Just be patient. :)


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bnky
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23 Dec 2012, 8:45 am

Getting my equilibrium back after Friday's assessment.
It was 6 hours of intense investigation by a team of 3. I'd typed up a wad of notes for reference so I wouldn't miss TOO much. Ended up giving them the notes so they could read them during my rest periods. Would never have gotten through all my history and issues (in the time I had) if I'd just talked without, or even with, notes. Of course I'm still thinking of things I should've told them:-S
Came through it fine though. They were very nice, approachable and professional.
I did lots of research related to the place I was going to visit (maps, google streetview was very useful, googled the team leader, transport maps and timetable options, etc) which made it less nerve racking for me (although that might just have been OCD or Anxiety?)


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whirlingmind
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23 Dec 2012, 8:49 am

Did they give you any verbal indication? How long do you have to wait for your results?


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bnky
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23 Dec 2012, 8:54 am

Yes, they did confirm the previous psychiatrist's diagnosis of Asperger's, but also diagnosed a few other issues (which I'd never have imagined) that seem to be interwoven with the Asperger's. Some of which I will be able to get help with!! :D
So feel it was well worth going for diagnostic investigation -IMHO


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bnky
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23 Dec 2012, 9:00 am

whirlingmind wrote:
Did they give you any verbal indication? How long do you have to wait for your results?

They gave me my diagnosis at the end of the session and a take-home letter detailing diagnoses and therapy/treatment options were appropriate/available. They'll be sending a full report to the referring doctors and myself in the newyear :)


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whirlingmind
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23 Dec 2012, 9:03 am

How do you feel? Relieved? Concerned? All sorts of emotions are possible after diagnosis, even when you expected it.

I hope you get access to the therapies they've told you that you need easily. I know what the NHS is like.


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DX AS & both daughters on the autistic spectrum