How long to get a diagnosis of ASD ? ?

[Xmaspuddin]

For a teenager?
I was under the impression it took months sometimes years for a diagnosis

We’ve had 2 appointments and then called back for diagnosis. I’m probably a bit shocked. Wasn’t expecting it and certainly not so soon
Also discharged immediately

Well you have answered you own question.

It's highly variable across the UK (if you are even in the uk)

I just want to find out if it’s unusual for it to be so quick ? I’m shocked
Everything I’ve ever seen or heard led me to believe it’d be a long process

Not for a teenager so not entirely relevant, but I was also under the impression that a diagnosis was a long and drawn out process. From flagging initial concerns to health visitor to formal diagnosis of autism for DS has taken 18 months.

(He's just approaching 3rd birthday)

My 12yo had 3 appointments with a psychologist over the course of 2 months before being diagnosed.

However, it had been clear to us since he was 3yo and he has had intermittent assessments over the years but never anything conclusive.

We haven't been discharged and still meet with CAMHS worker regularly but I think that is due to anxiety and depression rather than ASD.

And just to chip in, having it confirmed totally floored me too despite the fact we had "known" for almost a decade. I'd say it's a perfectly normal reaction.

When we finally got seen, the referral went in at Easter, first appointment in summer holidays, obs done in autumn tern and diagnosis after Christmas.

Diagnose and discharge were on same day and although we have been given the details for a support agency I just feel like it’s happened very quickly
I was expecting it but I thought there would be a lot more to the process. I think I just need to process it and get a good nights sleep it’s a lot to take in and has been hectic

My DD was diagnosed at 12. Initially we had two short appointments with camhs: one hour with a social worker and 40 mins with a psychologist who ended up telling us our child was 'just naturally odd' and we needed to just accept that. We took her for a private assessment where a psychologist and paediatric consultant assessed her for close to three days (over several weeks) and diagnosed asd. The diagnosis was not accepted and I had to initiate legal action which led to a third assessment. I mention all this just in case they dismiss your concerns. If you feel that a thorough assessment has not been carried out, please push for a second opinion. The proper diagnosis has literally saved my DDs life.

We did 2 years with DS and 6 weeks with DD. The latter was a private clinic.

I know of an adult who got a diagnosis on her only appointment.

4mths from re-referral when DS tried to jump out a window in school and we got a fast track referral from the emergency CAHMS.
But from 1st contact to diagnosis - 10 long fucking hard years!!

I thinking all depends who you see at CAMHS.

On our re-referral, our psychologist was fantastic. By 2nd appointment, she pointed out DS was possible ASD, by 3rd appointment she had made referral to Tier 4 and National Autism Unit and by 4th appointment she had signed us over to them. We had 4 appointments with tier 4 and Autism Unit which included psychologist and SALT. DS received his diagnosis in February this year at 15yrs old

The diagnosis takes (almost) no time at all, as you have found out.

The wait to be seen takes forever.

We had dd assessed and dx in one day, after a grueling 4 hour session! This was in Oz, at a private clinic though.

2 years here

Just 2 appointments- not even sure they were right as dd who was 8 but now 13 shows none of the behaviours she used to

I think diagnoses can be quicker with teenagers and adults as there is more life history known to help complete the picture.

Whereas with younger children people tend to be more cautious about labelling and want to wait.

Persuading health visitor to make a referral took 3 months.
6 months wait for initial appointment.
Initial appointment to diagnosis 3 months.

Getting support in school is still ongoing after a year.

3yrs on CAMHS waiting list, then contracted out to private company who diagnosed after 2 appointments within 2weeks. Immediate discharge too.

The wait to be seen can be months or years.

The assessment itself shouldn't take too long so two appointments sounds right.

My 11 year old was diagnosed this year. We've 'known' for years but getting it confirmed has been hard emotionally. We're still processing it all. There has been minimal support from getting the diagnosis. What it has done is make us feel more confident about letting him not conform to 'normal' rules. The diagnosis confirms that he cannot help some of his behaviours.