Help

[Egam1980]

Hello everyone, I’m new here and I think I have autism and can’t get to see my gp about it, what else can I do?

Thank you E

[WW700]

Hi, you could try and see if your health board has a specific Autism service, sometimes you can refer yourself there and don't have to go through the gp.

[neblina]

What makes you think you have ASC? What resources did you consult? I'd say compile a list of what you think makes you fit the medically-defined criteria, but also WHY you want a diagnosis (how will it help you) and present your research to a GP. They will then refer you to a mental health advisor (this is utterly unnecessary but apparently what my GP did), then you'll go on a LONG waiting list for an assessment centre. Mine took months. It was a big weight off my mind though, and they provided a follow-up six-session group course on moving on post-diagnosis.

[Bee-bop in reply to neblina]

Hi neblina, in my area we were on the waiting list for an assessment for 3 years ( you have to see a psychologist, speech and language specialist and be observed in your usual setting) it is now 5 years in my area as my friends son is on the waiting list for an assessment, it shouldn't be that long for sure !