Autism Diagnosis

[readyfreddie]

DD1 is 15 and has many autistic traits although has never been diagnosed. She has never been out without an adult, doesn't socialise outside of school, has many sensory issues ie can't eat at the table with us because she can't stand the sounds of us eating. She has amazing artistic talent and spends all her time in her room drawing and playing with her furbies (she collects these).

The school are well aware of this and she is looked after well there. She will be starting college next year and she really wants to have a diagnosis to help her face the future. We have done the GP route/CAMHS a few years ago but they didn't assess her and just diagnosed her with social anxiety. Really don't want to go back to CAMHS. They are so stretched which I understand.

I am looking into getting her a private diagnosis. I have no idea how to find a clinical psychologist in my area or how much it will cost. We are struggling financially but feel this would be worth paying for if we can. Can anyone advise the best way to approach this? Thanks.

[Chatterboxnz]

I'm not sure how it works where you live. Can your GP refer you? Sensory issues can mimic autism disorders. Social anxiety is just generally being anxious in social situations. Autism is not being able to read people. Many with autism won't be able to maintain eye contact and will struggle to recognise emotions in themselves and others.

[readyfreddie]

Hi thanks for reply. It's not just sensory issues and anxiety. She is very obsessive in her interests, has no idea why people care what they wear as sees clothes as functional, doesn't get jokes..... I could go on. The school strongly believe she is on the spectrum but they are so supportive with her we as parents weren't too concerned about a diagnosis up until now. As she is now moving to further education and eventually work she would like to seek a diagnosis for her future. We went down the GP route previously and then CAMHS but they are so stretched. The school have arranged an Ed psych for her in the new year but she will need to see a clinical psych for diagnosis. Just wondered if anyone had gone privately?

[Jackyjill6]

The National Autistic Society (NAS) can give you information about clinicians in your area able to diagnose

[IamtheOrpheliac]

I second getting information from the National Autistic Society! I would also consider getting re-referred to CAMHS, because a lot has changed in the understanding of girls with autism in the last few years. I am a student nurse with CAMHS at the moment and one thing I have noticed is that people who get their autism diagnosis privately often miss out on a lot of the support that people diagnosed through CAMHS get. That said, the waiting times are still awful and if the school are being supportive, getting a private diagnosis might be the way forward.

I was diagnosed at 15, 10 years ago and CAMHS initially wanted to diagnose me with social anxiety and 'autistic traits'. I got there in the end though and it's been so useful having the diagnosis at university because I can get extra support.

[BlankTimes]

Autism is not a mental health issue.

NAS site is down for maintenance, please try later on.

In the meantimeeantime, please read some of the posts on SNChat and SNChildren re diagnosis. Usual NHS route is GP for referral, take a list of all your concerns and a letter from school outlining any support they give.
Privately Lorna Wing Centre is the gold standard, otherwise you'll need to find someone else who is NHS accredited.

[PollyFlinderz]

Op, autism can present very differently in females and I would look for someone with a specific interest in diagnosing females to see your daughter.

I’d second the Lorna Wing Centre. My son was diagnosed there 23 years ago.