Autism assessment help

[aibuplease]

How can I get an autism assessment for myself asap? Feel like I've reached a point where I'm ready to do it but the process is so overwhelming. Do I just attempt to get a doctors appointment? How does it work?🤯🤯

Already got diagnosis of C PTSD a few years ago.

If through the NHS it's not an ASAP process. You book a GP appointment and say you'd like to get an assessment for autism. GP will usually push back and ask your reasons for wanting it, what a diagnosis would change to your current life etc.

There is then a short questionnaire to fill in before a referral is made.

For an adult the current wait time is 4 years. There isn't a way to jump that list unless you go private.
My husband was referred in 2018 and had his diagnosis in 2021.

Hope this helps

Do you know how much it costs to go private?

Depends where but anything from £1800 to 3K.

About £2000 for it to be done properly.
Some private suppliers charge less but their diagnosis is less likely to be accepted if you intend to use the diagnosis as proof for anything.

If you live in England Google right to choose, it's essentially a private assessment funded by the NHS. I'm not sure what providers have the shortest waiting list at the moment but you can find a provider that will have a shorter wait than the standard NHS waiting list (which varies by area, it isn't necessarily 4 years).

Hi OP,

Would just like to add a couple of pointers to the already good advice give by PPs.

Consider what you want from the diagnosis. Is it just the afirmation of a diagnosis or are you looking for more support/intervention?

if it’s support/intervention (and depending on the organisation you will seek this from) check that the route of diagnosis is acceptable to them. That way you will avoid extra stress on your already overwhelmed brain and body and potentially wasted expense on a private diagnosis (if it can’t get you what you need.)

My private ADHD diagnosis is accepted by my GP
who will take on shared care and prescribing my meds. My friend used the same private psychiatrist as me but her GP 5 miles away refuses to take on her shared care.

Good luck and shout out if you have more questions