Is it worth the money to go for a private assessment?

[Arrietty123]

Hello, I've recently realised that I may have aspergers and am keen to get a diagnosis. I've seen two gp's, the first refused to refer me so I saw another who needed some convincing but eventually agreed. The second doctor suggested that a self diagnosis would be fine but I prefer having the support of a professional diagnosis. I have a long wait ahead of me but can speed things up by paying. Socially I struggle and I have been bullied at work previously (I suffer from social anxiety and v poor self confidence) As soon as I started reading up about women with Aspergers it was like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders as I realised that there were others like me out there. I'd love to hear about other people's experiences of being diagnosed if possible. I do worry that I may turn up and will be told that I'm just socially anxious and a bit strange!

[Snailandthemale]

Hi, I'm wondering whether to go private too, I'm interested to hear experiences and if anyone can recommend anyone in London.

I saw my GP, was referred but it isn't funded in my area at present.

Sorry I give you any advice yet!

[Arrietty123]

Hi, it's good to hear from others who are in a similar situation. It's a shame that your area isn't funded at all.

[soundsystem]

I've just been diagnosed privately and - for me - it was worth it. I really just wanted to know, as opposed to wanting any sort of particular support or "treatment" if that makes sense.

I'm in London, too. @Snailandthemale I can PM you details of who I saw if that would be helpful?

[Arrietty123]

Good to hear that soundsystem. I'm the same, I just want to know.

[Snailandthemale]

Yes please do pm me @soundsystem, if you could give me a rough idea of costs too that would be helpful. I'm going to have a last crack at an NHS referral then go private.

Yes although logically I could just follow the advice anyway, I feel a strong desire to know

[Loopsdefruits]

I'm not going private for diagnosis, I was fortunate that I was able to access assessment though my university, but I am going private for a psychiatrist consultation. I have ADHD and in order to get medication I have to see a psychiatrist, and the NHS waiting list in my area (East of England) is 18 months. My appointment will cost £375 (1.5 hours @ £250 per hour) but my medication will then be prescribed by my GP on the NHS.

[GeekLove]

I had a private diagnosis £450 was the cost and it was at the Ashton Centre.
I had attempt to do it via gp referal but they aren't experienced with adult diagnosis and it kept ending up with the Mindfulness Team.

It is worth it as I have a statement now. I just wish I'd done it sooner like before jobseeking!

[becsparkel]

Soundsystem - please can you PM me also with costs and where you has your assessment?

I've just sent a self referral to IAPT but I have no idea how long it will take or if they will refer me on to a specialist team. I'm hoping they will refer me to The Lorna Wing Centre in Bromley but I've no idea. They might just refuse. The Lorna Wing Centre is eye wateringly expensive, £3k apparently.

[toffee1000]

I’m on the Lorna Wing waiting list and got told £1900. Waiting list six months. Thought being self funded might make it but quicker... but then again I don’t know what it is like for NHS referrals.
Currently looking around at others, am in London too. I’m concerned with finding someone reputable who has experience of diagnosing ASD in women.

[becsparkel]

Ditto toffee. £1900 isn't as much as I had thought, though still a hellava lot. I keep thinking, what if it's all in my head.

[Arrietty123]

Wow, £1900 is such a lot of money. I'm definitely going to have to go private as my local NHS referral centre won't assess me as I'm too high functioning apparently. (I think it's because I work) I really don't think my dp would be supportive of me spending so much on a referral though.

[SerPants]

Whereabouts in the country are you OP? Or could you travel if need be? Costs seem to vary massively.

When I was at uni and considering a private diagnosis, the disability advice person recommended someone locally who charged £300 for the consultation, and another £200 for an official report of the findings. But if it turned out you didn't have Aspergers you wouldn't need the report.

That was in Sheffield.

[SerPants]

Oh and feel free to PM me if you feel like talking to a fellow socially anxious, bit strange person. I know how isolating it can be at times.

[Arrietty123]

Thanks, that's great advice :)

[ClaireWilliams3]

I’m on the Lorna Wing waiting list too. My GP would refer me but she did it without asking and I wasn’t ready. Now I am I really want to go to the Lorna Wing centre as they are experts in assessment for women. I’m worried about the cost though.