AIBU to think that if you get to the point of an NHS ASD assessment that you probably do have some form of ASD?

106 replies

Bepisicola · 31/12/2022 13:59

I know that managing to get a referral and then assessment for ASD on the NHS is about as likely as scoring a private audience with the almighty, therefore I am given to believe that if you’re ‘bad’ enough to get to this point, then you probably will get some sort of diagnosis?

This is my situation and the psychiatrist has said she does not think I have ASD. I disagree and am wondering where to turn to next?

OP posts:

imip · 31/12/2022 22:18

Comorbidity for autism and ADHD is very high. I wouldn’t be surprised in decades that we reclassify the way look at these conditions. I started off 10 years ago thinking my dc were autistic. Now I am sure it is a combination. Unfortunately once you are diagnosed with one, it is hard to be diagnosed with another.

Badlytrainedspaniel · 31/12/2022 22:21

That used to be the case @imip . Up until 2012 it wasn’t possible to be diagnosed with both.

The comorbidity seems to be fairly widely acknowledged now though.

imip · 31/12/2022 22:23

I have noticed a trend perhaps in the past year of screening for both. But I work in area and have three dc diagnosed with autism in the time frame - has felt like a very singular focus… have had to try very hard to get dc10 considered for adhd but am now on the pathway…

Original poster

Bepisicola · 31/12/2022 22:46

TheHateIsNotGood · 31/12/2022 22:17

Thanks for clarifying Bepiscola much appreciated. I really don't have anything proper to suggest, except of course that you try and focus on stating ADHD as your condition and not ASD.

Having said that, maintaining focus is very difficult for people with ADHD!
Best of Luck OP.

Thank you very much, it makes sense! 🙏

OP posts:

Nat6999 · 31/12/2022 22:54

It took 18 months for ds & 2 years for me to get an assessment.

Puffin87 · 01/01/2023 00:33

imip · 31/12/2022 21:41

@Puffin87 i am really concerned that they would suggest bipolar instead of adhd and then move to Lithium. I know many females diagnosed with adhd as an adult. I am def sure that I have adhd and my dd10 is in the process of diagnosis. Dh and my family has lots of schizophrenia and autism amongst our 9 siblings and I really think that undiagnosed autistic and adhd is the actual problem.

All the things you mention there scream adhd, not bipolar. primary schools are not good at this, they will judge you on your strength (intelligence) rather than your weaknesses (time keeping, impulse control). If it is an NHS diagnosis, I would look for a private one from someone more expert.

I read that 1 in 6 people with bipolar also have ADHD. I think I probably have both.

I do get really depressed every winter (though this could be SAD) and sleep excessively then, so he was worried a stimulant might tip me into mania.

I'll try lithium a few months and if no benefit, as to add or switch to a stimulant.

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