Concerned GP might not want to refer me for an ASD assessment.

[AGnu]

I'm considering asking to be assessed for an ASD but, from my online research, it looks like the local adult assessment people are in a neighbouring area & there's mention on their website that GPs can apply for specialist funding for people from my area. What does that mean? I've got myself worked up that they won't want to refer me because it'll cost too much.

The diagnosis probably wouldn't revolutionise my life, if I'm honest. I don't think I need any major interventions or support, it'd just help me understand myself a bit more. I have recurrent bouts of depression & anxiety & I'd hope that if I had a diagnosis I could work on strategies to avoid this. I'm about 95% sure that I have Asperger's and/or PDA - I found a list of possible ways Asperger's might present in an adult female & went through the list ticking nearly all the points!

What would happen if the GP did refuse the referral? Do I keep asking different GPs? What if I run out of GPs at my practice? Most of them are a bit useless at the best of times! Can I start asking other local practices? Anyone know how much it might cost for a private assessment? I doubt we'd really be able to justify the expense.

I'm probably worrying over nothing. I do that a lot! I've not even spoken to a GP yet. For all I know they might be perfectly happy to refer me. I'm just trying to get everything straight in my head before I tackle telling anyone other than DH. I just want it to be as simple as possible & feel I need to be fully prepared to fight for it before I decide to do it.

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

Could you go private?
Having a son with ASD (diagnosed offcially when he was small.. he's 17 now), even though he also has learning difficulties too, I know it has made HIS life better for knowing WHY he is different I totally understand how important a diagnosis is. (Also I know where it came from.. me; I don't need a diagnosis to accept that I am ASD but then I'm 46 )

I would simply start by politely requesting a referral to local MH services for assessment but if you get no response, ask how you can be referred privately.

Also..re the anxiety (massive feature for my son).. you could pursue help for that even without an ASD diagnosis. My son..and eldest DD (also ASD) are both on fluoxetine which helps them function better on a daily basis regardless.

ASD folk are the best :D

[summertimeandthelivingiseasy]

I think the first thing to do is go to the GP, then see what happens from there.

If they are not helpful, would it be worth ringing the NAS helpline to see if they have any suggestions of other ways to get assessed?

I have a 22 yr old son who has ASD - type symptoms and am sure he has PDA, but has had no help or assessment through school. He does not want to to anything at the moment, though.

Good luck with your diagnosis.