Diagnosis with lack of childhood evidence?

[Corilee2806]

I’m really struggling to get past whether or not to try for assessments for ASD and ADHD - I have realised I have signs of both (probably more ASD) as I’ve learned more about the female presentation being so different and I think I’d be seen as high masking. It sounds like it would be so difficult to get a diagnosis and I don’t have a lot of childhood evidence aside from I was strong willed and disobedient in early years school and I never stopped talking, then my social struggles really started aged 12 and I encountered 20 years of various trauma as a result. Now I appear to have a successful life and I’m pretty sure my GP won’t take me seriously despite various mental health interventions since 2012 that have not really helped.

Realising this has made me so desperate to find answers and I would feel relieved and validated if in fact the reason for all I’ve been through is because of this. But not sure I can face very long waiting lists and potential high costs only to be told no (I know imposter syndrome can be a big factor!) Any advice on the best way to go forward?

Hi, just been through all this myself with ADHD.

I struggled with childhood examples too and the assessor focused heavily on this. In the end I had to submit more evidence.

I found this form really helpful as a prompt as it gives examples of behaviours:

Advancedassessments.co.uk/resources/ADHD-Screening-Test-Adult.pdf

Also, if you search for uk adhd groups on Facebook there are a few useful ones where people talk about examples.

Good luck

Also, look up 'Right to Choose'- it's supposed to be quicker than NHS

Thanks, that’s really helpful. Did you get a diagnosis in the end? I did join a group but had to leave as found it a bit overwhelming!

Actually just got my diagnosis today in a follow-up appointment! The first appointment didn't go well and the doctor was very focused on childhood symptoms. I think you have to be able to show it was present before the age of 12 and affected you in 2 or more settings, e.g. school and home, for them to be able to diagnose.

I had to make a really thorough list of examples- took me about a week as I found it so overwhelming the assessment process is not adhd-friendly!

ADHD UK is a really helpful website. The Right to Choose info is helpful:

adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/

Thats great news you got your diagnosis although sure you have mixed feelings about it! I’m looking at right to choose at the moment. I have such a limited memory of my childhood and my parents can’t remember anything other than those few bits so don’t think there would be enough to get a diagnosis. Frustrating but I’m trying to understand if it that means what I’m experiencing could be caused by something else. It’s so confusing! All I know is my whole life has been challenging and I want to try and make sense of why.

I had to go private for an ASD assessment (the NHS weren't assessing adults where I live). I chose someone who had a 3 stage screening/assessment process which meant it only progressed to a full assessment of they felt an autism diagnosis was likely, as I was also unsure about whether I had 'enough' to meet threshold and didn't want to waste money or feel like I was 'buying' a diagnosis.

I didn't have a living parent who could provide any information and I was also worried I didn't have a good enough memory. However the questions about childhood were mainly focused on social things and interests rather than facts (eg about childhood development) and I was surprised how much they were able to get from that.