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Neurodiverse Mumsnetters

Use this forum to discuss neurodiverse parenting.

How to access a diagnosis as an adult? (DCD/dyspraxia)

4 replies

betweenarockandhardplace · 02/02/2023 07:03

I suspect I've had mild dyspraxia my whole life long, and I'm now at the point where I desperately want someone to tell me if that's true, because my confidence is at an all-time low, and I don't think I can forgive myself otherwise.

All of my research leads back to paying £1k for a private assessment. But what if I'm told I'm not dyspraxic after all? I saw comments on another thread of, well, at least you can rule out something, but if I'm not dyspraxic, there's no explanation for why my coordination and spatial awareness are so bad. (I can't drive, I'm clumsy, I can't catch a ball or kick a ball, and I've sprained my ankle from falling over my own feet.) A label would help me forgive myself and be a huge relief. No label would mean I'm just a bit shit, generally. Apart from the cost, I'm worried paying for an assessment would potentially make my mental health worse, not better.

I wish I'd been tested as a child. But my parents don't believe in neurodiversity, and my PE teachers just hated me, so it was never going to happen.

Looking for some advice. Have you sought a diagnosis as an adult? I guess not just for dyspraxia, but any kind of neurodiversity, as the same kind of fears and costs probably apply. I feel very sad and alone, so any comments are welcome.

OP posts:
amusedbush · 06/02/2023 16:13

I was diagnosed in 2021 and it definitely didn't cost £1k! Psychiatry-UK didn't even charge that much for my (very, very thorough and comprehensive) autism assessment Shock

I went to my GP first of all and, after a lot of being passed from pillar to post, it transpired that there are no NHS adult dyspraxia services anywhere around here. My GP told me to find a private occupational therapist.

Most of the local OT services I found specialise in children but I sent off an email and one person offered to refer me to a colleague with the relevant expertise. I filled out a load of forms, had a consultation, then quite quickly had my assessment, and then she sent me my diagnostic report. It cost me £135 all in.

betweenarockandhardplace · 06/02/2023 16:38

amusedbush · 06/02/2023 16:13

I was diagnosed in 2021 and it definitely didn't cost £1k! Psychiatry-UK didn't even charge that much for my (very, very thorough and comprehensive) autism assessment Shock

I went to my GP first of all and, after a lot of being passed from pillar to post, it transpired that there are no NHS adult dyspraxia services anywhere around here. My GP told me to find a private occupational therapist.

Most of the local OT services I found specialise in children but I sent off an email and one person offered to refer me to a colleague with the relevant expertise. I filled out a load of forms, had a consultation, then quite quickly had my assessment, and then she sent me my diagnostic report. It cost me £135 all in.

I've been quoted £965 for an assessment, so £135 sounds cheap as chips to me. If you wouldn't mind sharing the details via PM, I'd be really grateful.

Can I also please ask about why you sought a diagnosis as an adult and how you felt afterwards?

OP posts:
amusedbush · 06/02/2023 21:15

betweenarockandhardplace · 06/02/2023 16:38

I've been quoted £965 for an assessment, so £135 sounds cheap as chips to me. If you wouldn't mind sharing the details via PM, I'd be really grateful.

Can I also please ask about why you sought a diagnosis as an adult and how you felt afterwards?

I've sent you a (lengthy, sorry!) PM Smile

betweenarockandhardplace · 06/02/2023 23:26

amusedbush · 06/02/2023 21:15

I've sent you a (lengthy, sorry!) PM Smile

Really, really grateful for this. Thank you. :)

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