Just wondering what the process is of diagnosing autism in adults.
I am 21, and soon going to go to my GP in regards of perhaps looking into seeing whether I am on the autistic spectrum (high functioning/Aspergers.. I am not too sure). There are many reasons for believing this, and both my parents agree I should also be checked too due to various reasons.
How do you tell your GP? Or do you literally say "Can I get checked for Autism?" and how likely is it they will do any action to get you referred to be thoroughly checked?
Plus, should I be referred, what actually happens? What sort of questions or checked do they do?
Lastly, as I am an adult, is it harder to be diagnosed/will I be taken less seriously?
Any answers/advice would be greatly received. Think I am just worrying a little.
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jessdobson
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If your parents are willing to go with you it would help you. The 1st step is to ask your GP for a referral for an assessment. This may mean a long wait as there is a long waiting list. My son has just got his diagnosis aged 41. We waited over a year for his assessment in Lincolnshire, but well worth it. We just gave a history of his life from birth to present over a couple of hours. It was carried out at home so it was quite relaxed but also emotional. Good luck, I hope you soon get sorted.
Yes, thankfully my parents are willing to go with me, which is helpful as they can retain more info about my childhood etc. It's a shame the waiting list is so long, but at least there is one I suppose. I am glad you now have some answers regarding your son, and I hope the diagnosis has helped him
jessdobson Hello Jess my son was diagnosed by a Psychiatrist. You should be referred to companies that do evaluations. There used to be a test online I'll see if I can find it for you.
Please Please do not be discouraged if you indeed have ASP, my son is 27 and has a masters degree in accounting. He's a great kid/man and is the apple of my eye.
Yes, I think the next thing to do is seek a referral to get assessed too as this is really the only way I'd know properly and will definitely put me at ease.
Thank you for the links, they have been very helpful! I really appreciate you taking the time to posting them.
I hope your sons diagnosis has perhaps helped him and it certainly seems as though he has not been hindered at all! That really is great to hear.
Now that's the spirit. Hey Asperger, Hamburger, Anyberger it's all really a Nothingberger. You seem like a fine sensible young gentleman, so DO NOT let any stupid label prevent you from being all you can be. Take care of yourself and always remember to hug your parents. All of us need more hugs!!!
There are asperger/autism tests online, I took a few of these before I went to the doctors at which point I had to badger the doctors on almost a monthly basis to get a basic diagnoses (not a full proper one). At this point (almost 3 years on) I still have not been officially diagnosed but I am in a waiting list (in theory) to get that diagnosis. All that said I am now on ESA in the support group as in my case keeping a job for more than 3 months had become pretty much impossible and since my whatever diagnosis I have when I apply for jobs, getting an interview is even harder when you tell the employer the truth (I tell them because If am am ever to work again I need the employer to know up front of my issues instead of the them thinking I am as asshole and laying me off after 3 months for (and this is word for word from several employers) 'its not working out'.
Sorry If I have gone off track a little but my point is the NHS has got a huge backlog when it comes to these diagnoses so YOU need to keep pushing them to get the help you need. I just hope you don;t live in an area like me that has had its resources cut back to the bone :/
This is exactly why I'm pushing to get my 13 year old assessed,I've been told that there is centre at least here in north east that just tests adults.Dont be disheartened at the wait time I know it's frustrating.Its the world that needs change not you.Hope you get sorted soon x
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