Autism diagnosis in adult

[LuckymrsH]

Has anybody been diagnosed as an adult that is willing to share how uncomfortable it was? I’m bad socially but I if it’s not diagnosed I won’t believe it.

Yes, me. What do you mean how uncomfortable it was?

I had a GP tell me I’d survived this long (30+ years) so just deal with it. Then I moved and saw another and he was lovely and referred me no problem. It took a long time anyway and then Covid, eventually I got a phone appointment. Which was ideal for me, less uncomfortable! Had to fill out some forms, speak to someone, then they booked in two video calls (I hate those), the second one was with a consultant. The first one took about an hour and was just basically going through the forms and asking any additional questions, elaborating on my answers. Two weeks later the consultant called and did pretty much the same except by the end of the call he told me my diagnosis (autism) and said I would get my official diagnosis letter through in a few weeks, which I did. Video calls are uncomfortable for me and I hate doctors but it wasn’t unbearable x

That’s incredibly helpful thank you. Was it a long process? I’m thinking about going private but it is exceptionally expensive. I’m sorry your first Dr was so awful you would expect a professional to understand the importance of a diagnosis.

It was a long wait from being referred by the nice GP through to hearing from someone about it- probably about 2 years. Then a phonecall to ask if I minded telephone appointments instead of face to face (ideal for me!) and to tell me because of the waiting lists being so full the NHS are asking some private consultants to do some of them. From then to diagnosis was less than a month. Then a long wait (probably about 2 months) for the diagnosis letter to
arrive but I didn’t need that anyway so the wait wasn’t a problem for me.

My actual assessment was quite a positive experience. Adults don't get referred here although if you are 'in the system' mental health wise it's something that may happen. My GP dismissed my concerns and said there was no way I am autistic because I can go to busy places.

I had a private assessment done, over zoom. It was in a few parts and just took 3 months from start to finish. initially an early childhood questionnaire, followed by a phone appointment then a 4 hour zoom. It was paid in 2 stages and if there is nothing to support going forward for the full assessment in the initial stages then you will be told so and not have to waste further money.

I found it very easy and the assessor was bang in and managed to pick small parts from the early information that I had no idea meant anything!

In addition to that, having my diagnosis has been a life changer, interns of balancing my past and protecting my future. Of course the benefits in the president are also huge. Understanding yourself is crucial.

That’s super positive experience ❤️ How short sighted of your first dr to say that being in busy places means you can be autistic. I can shop but quite attached to my headphones 🎧
may I ask which private company you used please? Google shows lots of companies but hearing a positive experience is better than a paid for higher up ad search 🌟
I completely agree that it’s very important to know yourself

connecttoautism.org

Private is c £1500.

It may only take 2 face to face appointments and some form filling.

I thought the assessment was stupid as the questions were either confusing or geared towards males with autism. I was pretty vocal about it. The consultant said that's how he knew I was autistic before he even looked at my answers.