Can a Nurse assess and diagnose Autism? - Autism Support

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Can a Nurse assess and diagnose Autism?

davidgolf49 profile image
7 Replies

Hello, I read that someone claims she was assessed by an NHS nurse and diagnosed with Aspergers this year. I am sure Nurses cannot assess and diagnose and that Aspergers is no long diagnose, but instead a diagnosis of ASD and levels 1-3 is now given.

Am I wrong?

Thanks.

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davidgolf49 profile image
davidgolf49
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7 Replies
Nozmo profile image
Nozmo

That's how I understand it as well David - that Asperger Syndrome is no longer diagnosed but it doesn't seem to be as simple as that.

In 2013, DSM-5 replaced Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders with the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. So anybody being diagnosed following the guidelines of the DSM 5 diagnostic manual cannot be given a diagnosis of Asperger's.

BUT

ICD 10 (another diagnostic manual) is most commonly used in the UK and this still permits an Asperger's diagnosis....I think!!!

It's really confusing. If any professionals are reading this and can give a definitive answer it would be appreciated!

in reply toNozmo

It's absolutely confusing. As far as I can understand it if you have been diagnosed on the original profile that stays.

I can't see how a nurse will give a diagnosis. She will help,in the assesment but it has to be part of a team with Psychologist, Psychiatrist who gives the final diagnosis.

Personally it would be far easier to leave the original diagnostic rules. With the new system I believe it will be more difficult to get a full diagnosis .

But I am just a Mum .

Nozmo profile image
Nozmo in reply to

Yeah, forgot to mention that. Fully agree - a nurse cannot diagnose - has to be a team of professionals.

Zsaradancer profile image
Zsaradancer

It depends where you live....I'm in the UK and got a diagnosis of aspergers for my 12 year old son. They still use ICD 10 but will be introducing Dsm v in the next couple of years.

My son was diagnosedby a Multi disciplinary team which included speech and language therapist, occupational therapist and psychologist

davidgolf49 profile image
davidgolf49 in reply toZsaradancer

Thanks for your reply.A troll on twitter claimed that she was dx'd this year by a nurse! No mention of any assessment team, and she claimed that the Psychiatrist referred her, and yet only the GP can begin the NHS Autism diagnostic process via a referral.

I am now satisifed that I came up against yet another troll, and has the sick hobby of stalking Autists.

Zsaradancer profile image
Zsaradancer in reply todavidgolf49

Shocking. She must have a sad life to go around trolling. Unfortunately Twitter attracts them.

In the UK you can be assessed through camhs if you're under 19, through a psychologist or privately. Can't imagine a nurse is qualified to make diagnosis only a guess then a referral on, otherwise she'd be a psychologist or consultant!

davidgolf49 profile image
davidgolf49 in reply toZsaradancer

Yes, there are some sick trolls on twitter. Sadly, these people also misspell Asperger on purpose as well because they are playing a game.

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