So I just asked my GP for a referral...

[NiceCupOfTeaAndASitDown]

For assessment for ASD (at first she thought I meant ADD)

She was very nice and all but she gave me 'the look' - you know the half smile, sympathetic head tilt?

She said someone will be in contact but as I left I glanced at her screen and saw the words "I suspect this is unlikely"

is this even her call to make? I haven't decided I might be autistic on a whim!

She asked for reasons/symptoms and I gave a few of my previous problems - depression, eating disorders, anxiety, struggling with everyday things due to sensory issues, social struggles etc. I'm sure I missed a ton of things out but I decided not to prepare what I was going to say as I knew I'd overthink it.

How was it if you did the same?

Would I be crazy to try and go private as well? I'd really like to see Sarah Hendrickxs or Tania Marshall

Not sure how I feel now

Well done for going to the GP, I found that so hard and had very similar, she was very nice but said it was very unlikely. Six months later I saw adult autism team and was given a diagnosis.

My advice would be, if you can, don't dwell on the GP, wait to see how it goes with whoever you see next.

I almost did a Skype assessment with Sarah Hendrickx but my appointment came through and I cancelled it. I've never skyped and don't think I could so I was very relieved. Not to mention the money... But it is an option.

Also, with my GP I think she thought she was being reassuring by saying that it was unlikely. They have no idea what it takes to get to that point.

only I couldn't Skype either..there's no getting away from eye contact arrghh!

I think you're right about the reassurance, they have no idea it's the opposite of what we need to hear.

Polter I did take my AQ but was too anxious to give it to her. My head was a bit all over the place and in moments like that a pile of papers/load of writing just looks like 'stuff' so I wouldn't have been able to make sense of it. I also didn't want her to think I was trying to do her job. I clearly care way too much about stuff like that

I have a colorimetry test this week for possible Irlen syndrome, just hoping I have better luck with that

I can't help thinking whoever I get a chat with (can they refuse to assess??) might only deal with stereotypical cases of autism and will laugh me out of the door

Do you know who you will see? I'm quite sure you won't be laughed at but it might put your mind at rest to find out.

I have Irlen syndrome and quite enjoyed the test for that! I have lovely pink/purple lenses that make a massive difference

Can you see a different GP? I had to see several before I found one who would refer me.

When you say that she said that somebody would be in contact, do you mean she has referred you? Did she say she had?

I don't know who I will see. She said she was going to chat to a psychologist I think it was...it sounded like she was making the referral but after reading that on her screen I think she might try and talk them out of seeing me because I don't appear autistic. If I end up with a diagnosis shall I make a list of people to educate about how hard some people work at masking and how broad the spectrum really is? I held back when they gave me shit breastfeeding 'advice' and again held back when they said my son was 'fine' - I'm getting a bit fired up now, but it could cost me a bomb in literature at this rate!

My GP was like Well I don't think you have ASD, but if you really want me to I'll refer you. 18 months later I got a diagnosis! I had to complete a questionnaire about myself, childhood, current issues and why I thought a diagnosis would help. This went to a panel to be discussed and they agreed to assess me (it was almost 3 hours, no surprise they don't just assess anyone!). However I agree with you, I doubt there's many people who think they've got ASD that actually don't. I hope you get it sorted.

My appointment has come through already! It's next week...I thought I'd be waiting months if not years.

I've been sent some forms to fill in and they seem awfully biased towards the idea that autistic people don't have empathy or understanding...don't enjoy eating and chatting with family or friends. There seems no leeway for maybes or explanation. I suppose the assessment itself will cover that but I'm worried. If I get a no from the NHS it might prevent me getting a private assessment. Has anyone experience with the NHS? I need to know what to expect

I know it's been such a shock. I will have another look at that list. I'm sure I'll get on their nerves but I'm filling in the assessment forms and they are going to be very extensive. I really don't want to slip through the net.

My plan had been to see Sarah Hendrickxs first because I thought there'd be a years wait at least. Just keeping everything crossed the woman I see understands about women being able to mask

Thank you for your reply

Well that was a complete waste of time!

She had a quick chat with my parents (who have both admitted they don't remember much) without me in the room, spoke to me briefly about childhood friendships and emotions, read about 15% of the answers I had given to the questionnaire she had sent me to fill in before announcing that she didn't think I was on the spectrum.

She's sending me for a second opinion because when she asked how I felt I said I didn't really believe it and felt she had come to a conclusion on very little information.
But of course I'm now questioning myself wondering if I'm just the way I am because of my upbringing.

She said if I think of any more info to email her. I mentioned the AQ and she said she didn't warrant it with much credibility and don't get her started on the EQ...

She says she has lots of experience with women on the spectrum and can see why I might think I am..but I'm not.

She denied she was thinking down the lines of attachment disorder when I asked her because she seemed to be focusing a lot on attachment issues but has given me no real idea of what she thinks is going on other than to mention depression (Which I have had previously but have been free of for nearly a decade)

I feel pretty deflated and cross that I've been 'glossed over' for want of a better phrase. It feels very much the same as when DS was first seen - that the decision has been made within minutes of me walking through the door. My instincts were right about him (ASD) so I'm inclined to put up a fight but I can't help feeling what if I've got it all wrong?

Anyone have any thoughts?

Sounds similar to my experience Nice dont give up statistics show that many females with Asd are either mis diagnosed or not diagnosed before they actually get a diagnosis!

I am very slowly working up to asking my GP to refer me after my non clinical assessment was a disaster!

How so Ineed? From what I've read and heard from others there does seem to be an awful lot of people in the field who know that autism presents differently in different people, but who still have a very fixed view of what it should look like. I will go for the second opinion but I'm pretty sure they will say the same. I know from experience that if one professional makes up their mind it's very likely that others in the chain will agree. I've no idea where I will go from there if that's the case. Is there a thread for assessment/diagnosis stuff? I thought about posting on the neuro diverse support thread but didn't want to just waltz in and change the subject

That's kind thank you polter

She was an ASC Specialist Practitioner with the
Specialist Clinical Assessment Team

Apparently. I've no idea what any of that means. It puts me off that it's in the same place as mental health conditions but that's just my personal bugbear

I've done a bit of research but not coming up with much. Looking at a job vacancy description for another area it looks like someone would need a degree in social work or equivalent. I'm not sure that's anything to do with ASD but who knows?

She told me she has diagnosed around 300 women and made a 'joke' that gave the impression that she can tell instantly if someone is autistic. I managed not to roll my eyes but realised at that point I was wasting my time.

Yeah I had a Google beforehand and found a few things but not a lot, then noticed that disclaimer they put at the bottom about European law which I think means someone has asked Google to remove things about them that are untrue or happened a while back

this is interesting