ASD diagnosis as an adult

[Adultasd]

Hi, please could anyone tell me about the process of being diagnosed as an adult? I'm going to go to my GP and ask to be referred although when I last asked they said there was no point at my age (40s).

There is every point in my experience. It has really helped me to accept myself and learn more about the way I relate to the world and also with a diagnosis you are protected by the Equality Act if necessary.

I was referred by GP to autism assessment service. Took a few months to be seen, and the process was about six sessions.

Don't let the GP put you off. Some assessment services also offer post diagnostic support and counselling as well

NHS waiting list. Takes forever.
I got seen after about 6 months to assess whether I could go on the waiting list for full assessment which then took about 2 years.
If you can afford go private.
Want to know whether it's worth getting?
Join one of the autism fb groups - look at post after post from people utterly jubilant, vindicated and feeling understood and it making so much difference to their life to be diagnosed they're doing that laughing crying celebrating thing. I can't even put into words how much difference it makes.

And that's even though many of them have already started using techniques etc to help improve their daily lives.
Drs think in terms of illness/cure so are probably the worst people to have an opinion on this.

And another

Oops

You can be referred by your GP to psychiatryuk through your 'right to choose' waiting times are apparently much shorter. Their website will give you all the information you need

Thank you. It sounds like a long process.

@flippertygibblet

You can be referred by your GP to psychiatryuk through your 'right to choose' waiting times are apparently much shorter. Their website will give you all the information you need

Psychiatry uk are having issues with their contract for asd assessments with right to choose. There maybe another provider who does asd under the right to choose though

Can I ask what prompted you to get diagnosed?

My GP has agreed to refer me for assessment. It can take well over a year to be seen.

Can anyone recommend any literature or online materials that have helped them in any way?

I was diagnosed at 50 in November last year. It was a revelation that no, I'm not just shit at life, there's a very good reason why I'm different. I now get support at work if needed, I'm more confident. I've just been in hospital and the difference in how I was treated was amazing. Everything explained to me step by step and I had a quiet, corner bay. I'm so much more content now.

That's really good to hear. Sensory overload is my biggest issue and I cope better with quiet and also knowing exactly what is what.

One thing I struggle with understanding is being different because I am normal to me. Other people are strange to me and perplexing.

Never underestimate the power of ear plugs! Sounds are a big thing for me. I'm very open about my asd and how it affects me, and it means I get more understanding.