Autism

1 lurker | 90 watchers

mr d Oct 2021 10:14pm, 28 Oct 2021 5,445 posts	0 mr d You could have a question thread and invite them to answer, but understandable if you don't want too.
DingDocMerrily Dec 2021 5:29pm, 19 Dec 2021 44,082 posts	0 DingDocMerrily can anyone suggest where to start with getting an assessment for autism for a young adult? prepared to go privately as we dont want to wait forever. thanks
Flatlander Dec 2021 7:44pm, 19 Dec 2021 2,325 posts	0 Flatlander DocM I went through an assessment 2 years ago, although I was a mature adult rather than a young one. I started off down the NHS route using CLASS autism.org.uk docs.autismresearchcentre.com first having had to get a referral from my GP. CLASS don't cover your area but there may be a similar service for your health authority. If there isn't a service in your HA, CLASS may still accept a referral if your HA pays for it. If the individual has particular problems which meet certain criteria, they could be fast tracked. Due to the long wait for assessment (I was told it was more than 1 year, possibly as much as 2) I then went privately in East Anglia for an assessment which took about 2 months from the time I applied (probably a lot longer now thanks to a backlog caused by COVID). If you want further details, fmail me with what you want (cost, process, what to expect etc.)
jelly (limegreenjelly) Dec 2021 10:43pm, 19 Dec 2021 1,934 posts	0 jelly (limegreenjelly) I would suggest filling in the AQ10 or AQ50 in online and going to the gp! I spoke to the drs who then made me an appointment with the practice mental health nurse who emailed me a copy of the referral form which I wrote myself. I waited a few months for a pre diagnosis meeting assessment which put me on the waiting list! I waited 18 months for my actual assessment which was done over 2, 2 hour sessions followed by a session for the results. From what I’ve seen in forums online it’s a bit of a postcode lottery depending on where you live.
jelly (limegreenjelly) Dec 2021 10:44pm, 19 Dec 2021 1,935 posts	0 jelly (limegreenjelly) Oh just missed the bit that said you’re prepared to go private. It really depends on your area.
Jingle J Dec 2021 11:40pm, 19 Dec 2021 114 posts	0 Jingle J I wasn't going to pursue an official diagnosis, as the autistic community recognises that it is so difficult to access services, and therefore is generally accepting of self diagnosis as a valid status. At my age I wasn't likely to be eligible for any benefits, so there didn't seem to be much to gain from a rubber stamp on what I already knew. However when I was pursuing an ADHD diagnosis, I realised that some of the consultants I was trying to choose from specialised in both autism and ADHD, so I decided to get the NHS referral for the ADHD diagnosis but then paid privately for a separate autism diagnosis with the same psychiatrist. It seemed an efficient way of doing things! This was through psychiatry-uk.com I think I waited about 2 months for the appointment last year, but I know they are now really booked up for the (maybe just the NHS-funded?) ADHD side - I think they're up to a years' wait, but the autism team may be less busy, especially for private patients. Good luck with it, and I'm happy to try and help if you have any questions
DingDocMerrily Dec 2021 9:36am, 20 Dec 2021 44,085 posts	0 DingDocMerrily Thank you all Jen J how did you reach the point of self diagnosis ? Any resources you could suggest ?
DingDocMerrily Dec 2021 9:38am, 20 Dec 2021 44,086 posts	0 DingDocMerrily .... Just to get an idea if this is a possible diagnosis
jelly (limegreenjelly) Dec 2021 11:39am, 20 Dec 2021 1,943 posts	0 jelly (limegreenjelly) Are we talking male or female young adult Dingdoc? Most of the adults I know do lots of research and self diagnose before seeking diagnosis! I did! The only reason I went for formal diagnosis was to help get a diagnosis for my youngest. I also believe I’m adhd (innatentive) but don’t feel I need a formal diagnosis for that.
DingDocMerrily Dec 2021 11:42am, 20 Dec 2021 44,087 posts	0 DingDocMerrily male