ASD/Autism assessment

[TweetypiePez]

Hello

I’ve noticed many posts dotted across different topics where people say they’ve recently been diagnosed with Autism.

I believe I have Autism. It has been mentioned to me a few times by healthcare professionals over the years. However, I haven’t had access to a psychiatrist for a number of years now due to a chronic shortage in my local NHS trust. Therefore, I haven’t been able to seek a diagnosis.

For background, I have a number of mental health conditions that I’ve been living with for over 25 years now. But something else is definitely going on. When I’ve read literature on autism in women it reflects so many of my difficulties currently and over the years.

I have looked into getting assessed for Autism by my local NHS Autism assessment service and the wait time is 3 years plus. Owing to my mental health conditions, I am used to waiting years for treatment. However, it seems an incredibly long time. I am currently working my way through the huge referral form, trying to give as much detail as possible.

I also contacted a local private Autism assessment service. They want £2000 for an assessment, which is completely out of my price range. They also offer an initial assessment, which doesn’t provide a diagnosis but gives an indication of whether or not you may have Autism. This is £600, but feels a bit pointless.

I am wondering how long others have waited for assessment? And was it worth it? Of course I understand, given my other conditions, that getting a diagnosis can bring huge relief. But what else has a formal diagnosis done for you?

I’d appreciate any advice or your experience of getting a diagnosis.

Thank you in advance.

I'd also be interested in this. I've suspected that I have asd since dc1 was 2 (now 19). I have 2 dc with asd.
In May I was referred to psychiatry-uk by my gp and am awaiting an appointment (it originally said 12 weeks on there website but now its just saying they have long waits).
I didn't feel I needed a diagnosis until spring when I received my Pip report (I have physical health issues and am unable to work) and they basically downgraded me because I haven't got an asd diagnosis so can't say that's why I'm not accessing the health care I need (it felt like I was being told I was lazy). The assessment isnt supposed to be on diagnosis but on ability or lack of but thats not the case. This has prompted me to get assessed (hopefully within 3 years when my Pip is due for renewal).

@NeverneverNO12or3 thank you for your response.

PIP assessments are notoriously difficult and distressing, and it is well documented that the assessors tell lies in their reports. Tribunal Judges repeatedly reprimand the DWP but nothing changes. I am so sorry you experienced that.

You make a good point that diagnosis is essential to unlock the financial support you are entitled to. It is also necessary to unlock tailored support from the DWP.

I’ve been in the mental health system for over 25 years and I have to say the past 10 years have been horrendous. Waiting years for treatments or assessments means your life is on hold, and oftentimes your conditions deteriorate during this time.

Everything I have feared has now come true; I cannot access the support or assessments I need via the NHS and it’s an incredibly frightening and desperate feeling. I have never felt so alone and hopeless as there is now nowhere to turn.

I can sympathise completely with your position. All I can say is please hang on, don’t take ‘no’ for an answer, and I truly hope you’re able to access the help you need ASAP.