Where to get an official test for Autism for an adult.

[RobSmith]

I'm looking for a way to get an official test for autism...

I never got one with people when I was at school and never understood why.

I'm 30 years old now and have been in full time employment since 17, I've had many major problems come up in the work place as a result of the same misunderstandings that occurred while at school.

These misunderstandings have also occurred in social settings and usually resulted in "fights".

I never set out to upset people and don't understand why it happens. I've had several people (teachers, lecturers and doctors) ask me If I've been tested for Autism, usually without the subject being mentioned. I ask why and they say my behaviour and responses are odd and resemble that of special needs children they are involved with.

I feel that work related situations might be better resolved and understood if there was some official note for my employer(s) to hold. typically such ideas are not taken seriously without medical opinions.

I have spoken to my GP but he says these types of help are not available.

any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[v65v]

If you are in the UK your GP can (and should) refer you to a clinical psychologist for assessment. My son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome aged 32 using this method. I believe, but could be wrong, that this is the only way to get a diagnosis as an adult. I wish you well.

[RobSmith]

Thanks for the replies guys,

I have been back to see my GP with the specific request of a referal and he is still firm that this help is not available.

I've found some places that deal with this type of thing but all require said referal so I'm waiting for the new year to start going into that in more detail.

Jon- thanks for the info, your website looks interesting and I ill spend some time reading it. I'm sure I'll be contacting you in due course.

thanks again

[Kittykins]

we are going through the same thing with my son who is in his early 20's. cannot get NHS referral due to him being tested for autism at school and it being not proven. he cannot hold down employment, has no friends and spends all his time on the computer. will probably have to find a way of paying for a private diagnosis according to the GP

[friendlylion]

hi

I think i know how you feel.

Although I have never had full-time employment and am in my late 40s.

I kept hearing the word 'autism' and wondering what it meant and eventually went to a public talk about it and thought 'Oh, like me!'

I have been bullied in part-time work and volunteer roles and previously attacked for - well, I'm not really sure apart from some people seem to react very strongly to people they consider 'different'....

The NHS appears to be struggling generally but especially on awareness of the autistic spectrum.

My experience generally is that one can find enlightened people with an interest in certain subjects - but its not that they officially studied them, more likely they suddenly had a child, relative or friend diagnosed with a condition which made them take notice.

I was originally told that 'no provision for diagnosis of autism in adults currently exists in [my county]' so I sought out private professionals out of county. however they all suggested that the diagnosis wouldn't really 'count' unless it was via a GP referral and essentially insisted I took this route before they would accept hundreds of pounds of my money I had saved for the express purpose.

My GP asked for funds from the Primary Care Trust to get me diagnosed out of county but was turned down.

I was exasperated - although nowadays I would seek to do something about it like get it challenged on the grounds it contravenes the EqualityAct (2000). Mind you, I probably wouldn't be up to doing so myself - but there are 'disability rights' organisations that know what they are doing and are not intimidated.

Eventually there was somewhere to assess me in-county.

After a very long wait because they were so over-subscribed - and also my Dr forgot I had moved house and so I 'fell off the waiting list' (and off other ones for different referrals) because I wasn't receiving the letters telling me if i didn't respond in a week or so they would consider I no longer was interested)- I received 6 sessions of assessment with a educational psychologist who was able to give me a formal diagnosis together with some recommendations/suggestions - including a letter such as you seem to want.

In a nutshell, hang in there and seek advice from those who are likely to know- which sadly, unless you are lucky enough to meet a GP who has it in their family, means don't rely on GPs etc. but forums such as this.

The National Autistic Society is mentioned a lot. My own experience with them has been patchy. I'm sure many of the people who staff their helplines are well meaning, but they often don't actually understand what you are going through and what would help most. Some people who work in NAS seem to be quite 'autistic' themselves in terms of how flexible they can be regarding application of 'the triad of impairments'. That said, it isn't a bad place to start - and since they do actually employ people with autism it is probably quite a good place to start.

But getting a diagnosis / letter isn't the end of the story...

For many people there is very little provision for support with dealing with the diagnosis / its affects.

I would recommend finding a person-centred counsellor to explore how you feel. Not all counsellors believe that what the client experiences is valid but all counsellors who profess to being 'person-centred' counsellors should do.

Most GP surgeries should be able to facilitate a referral to counselling. This usually seems to be 6 sessions of CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy). That can be helpful in some cases but is certainly not a 'cure-all' and certainly does not hold the client's own feelings as primary but seeks to find ways to short-cut our thought processes and get us to feel differently about what we think. I don't say this isn't worth trying, but I believe that one's neurological patterning can't just be changed through short-term conversation. Your GP should refer you for the type of counselling that you would prefer.

But as with many things, if you are getting it free at source, that is for a reason - and sometimes it simply pays to research what is out there, who feels like a good match and pay them direct.

The British Association of Counsellors and Pychotherapists (BACP) may be able to help. But as elsewhere, they will have their own biases as to what they think constitutes good counselling .

(I probably should mention I am a person-centred counsellor - although I think there are terms and conditions against us blatantly 'advertising' on here).

Anyway, all the best - and do let us know how you get on.

Now where was I? - oh, yes checking websites of local GP surgeries to see if any of them look better qualified to have me as a patient..... (but I was impressed the one I just looked at suggested forums etc. for autism and thats how I saw your comment and joined HealthUnlocked).

Thanks for putting it out there; it has an impact!

[perigee]

Autism assessment? For an adult? In the UK? You're having a laugh.

[blackqueen65]

I would try a different GP and say due to your mental health difficulties you want a referral to the mental health service. Don't let them fob you off but don't mention Autism specifically, just mental health in general. Once you get referred you will be assessed by a mental health nurse and they will then refer you to someone within the service depending on what they think the problem is.