Autism referral refused

[NCQuiteConfused]

Hello,

I've had a referral of autism/ND clinic refused, and not sure where to go next.
Does anyone have experience of this? I know that it's hard to get a referral, however I'm not sure what I'm experiencing/have experienced if it's not neurodiversity. I am open to conversation about it but GP isn't much help, just been told it's a no.

X

Is this for you or your child?

Do you mean your GP made a referral, but the specialist service rejected it?

Or that your GP did not agree to refer you?

Sorry.
For clarity, it's for me. And the GP agreed to the referral but the clinic refused after a basic questionnaire (which I met the criteria for in terms of number of ticked boxes!)

What are you hoping a diagnosis would provide for you? Many adult autistic communities are accepting of self diagnosis. Is seeking a private diagnosis an option?

What reason did they give for not going forward with an assessment?

They just said they won't be proceeding as I don't meet the criteria

I'm wanting to understand myself better with professional support.
Private is absolutely not an option unfortunately

Have you considered private assessment? I was diagnosed with ASD (previously aspergers) at the Lorna Wing Centre in April.

The wait was 9 months and it cost £1900

They specialise in the assessment of women.

The Autistic community may be able to help you understand yourself better. There are many adults in your situation and the Autistic groups I'm in on FB are all very supportive of those trying to figure out if they're ND; as long as questions are respectfully worded, usually are Autistic not has Autism and respect the way people want to be addressed.

They all accept those who are self diagnosed as well, understanding that especially for adults it can be very hard to get diagnosis and that absence of that doesn't mean you're not Autistic.

Even just reading posts you can learn a lot. I didn't know much about Autism 5 years ago, since then all of my DC have been diagnosed. Reading the lived experience of Autistic poster's helped me realise my DD was Autistic as well as her brothers and has also influenced and changed the way I think about and support my DC. There's a lot of knowledge out there, and support, not in the way you were hoping for but it's something at least.

Thank you all very much.
I struggle with rigid/BandW thinking sometimes so to not be able to pursue 'proper' documentation bugs me and I won't be able to let it rest.
Need to book an appt with GP to see about understanding why I was rejected despite meeting their very short questionnaire criteria (literally 7 questions!)

I will join a FB group and try and gain further understanding

I know its deeply frustrating but be realistic about what your GP can do .. they made the referral, they have no control at all if the service decline it. Its not they don't want to help ... there is nothing else they can do.. they can't force the service to see you.

@Didiplanthis I don't blame my GP, I'm grateful she referred me, but I'm just frustrated about the screening process. I'm not sure why I would meet the criteria but then be refused? I think it's because they view me as a 'functioning' adult who has a job/friends/social life but they don't realise how hard I have to work to maintain these things that don't come naturally !

To get an assessment there has to be a specific reason why being diagnosed would help you, eg needing support at work/home that you can’t access without the diagnosis. They don’t assess people if a diagnosis wouldn’t benefit them in some way, or if a diagnosis would cause mental health difficulties. Perhaps your referral didn’t include anything on how it would benefit you?

Does your GP refer to UK Psychiatry? My first referral was turned down for insufficient evidence (my GP said she thought they hadn't read my letter!) so she sent me to UK Psychiatry instead which has a much shorter waiting list.

psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose-asd/

Thank you both.
Does anyone know if they will re-refer or if that's it now forever ?

I'm going to arrange a GP appt to discuss my referral with her

They can definitely re refer don't worry. Particularly if you can think of any new information that might add to the referral. Good luck and dont let the rejection redefine you, a diagnosis validates but doesnt change anything so keep looking at services such as NAS, for suggestions for things that might help you.... adult neurodiversity services are a joke...

Oh thank goodness. It's just been a big knock to my confidence, it was hard enough putting it out there but I know I need to fight for the re referral