Hi, how's everyone's day going?
@SirChing I've had good and bad consultants over the years for my bipolar etc, for a year some were an absolute nightmare. I decided to go private for various reasons, to sort various stuff out- an utter mare consultant had claimed I had Borderline- I'd gradually accepted that and wanted a full diagnosis of it to put on forms. :) It is affordable if you prioritise it- for a while I didn't spend much money on anything else, but was happy with that- same goes for therapy. I'm not earning, I spent my PIP each month on it.
Anyway, the private consultant (who also turned out to be awful in some ways unfortunately, but I like to think that's quite rare if you're paying for it) suggested I don't have Borderline, I have ADHD and autism/autistic features. I'd never have thought of it as I did well at uni, although I found it hard and dropped in and out of college and uni a few times, and I'm an extrovert, although I get social anxiety.
Eventually I ended up back in the NHS for various reasons. I'd changed teams (PALS said the team I was previously under were notoriously awful and I should change.) Current team are excellent.
Because I already had a diagnosis privately, when I eventually saw an ADHD nurse, they said they'd fast track me onto meds etc. Then this nurse was off sick and I was genuinely forgotten about! I got back in touch with them to see what was happening, and saw a consultant who said I had ADHD with autistic features. I don't have full autism, as although I have poor ability to get on with people socially, I don't have the rigidity of habits or whatever as someone with full ASD.
I'm waiting for an appointment to start on the meds. Tried the meds under the private consultant and didn't see much change, but the NHS nurse said they give you some tips as to how to organize stuff etc. She said unless you have these additional tips to work on, the meds just make you have ADHD but with more concentration.
You asked whether having an ASD diagnosis helped with access to services. The answer is not really for adults, because there are few/none. Unfortunately, intervention for social skills etc is mainly only proven effective for children. They do have some programmes where I live (Birmingham) for people who are severely effected I think- I mean for instance if the person needs a 20-hour or more care package a week.
I wanted social skills training, but couldn't find a course which wasn't mainly focussed on businesses etc, fairly irrelevant.
So my theory is to do a counselling course. The reason being that then I might learn better how to listen, what to say if people are in distress etc, not to say the wrong thing so much (though that one seems unlikely lol.) It's just a theory of mine so I don't know if it'll work, but think it can't really hurt. I start tomorrow night- am pretty terrified- wish me luck! Maybe you could have a go too, if you haven't done a counselling course already (do you work in Mental Health?) I know that my friend who's a therapist says he knows some therapists who are autistic, or have worse social skills that me lol. But anyway, feel free to sign up for some sort of counselling course (maybe September now if it's one run at a college) to help test my theory! The one I'm doing is the Level 2 certificate in Counselling Skills, among others. Courses (mainly mental health related) are what I plan to spend money on this year, though luckily I didn't have to pay for the counselling one as I'm on a means-tested benefit.
So yes- I suggest getting a private diagnosis first as I think that's probably easier, and then the NHS takes your concerns more seriously. You could find a consultant who specialises in ASD.
Another thing you could try is joining a support group or forum for people with ASD, so you can share experiences, learn hints and tips, and meet like minded people. I haven't done that much yet.
Also, having a child with ASD might mean the NHS take your concerns about yourself more seriously anyway.
Hope this long winded spiel helps a little :) Best wishes. xxxxx