ASD assessment for an adult?

[amberleaf]

Can anyone tell me anything they know about this process...the hows, whens and whys of it.

Is this something that is hard to come by?

Does it have to be done privately?

All info pos and neg gladly recieved.

TIA.

I got my diagnosis of 'High Functioning Autism' whilst in a secure psychiatric unit after police got involved in my melt down, but I don't recommend that route!

Start with the National Autistic Society website for information on Adult Diagnosis.

Next ring the NAS helpline on 0845 070 4004, they keep a list of professionals who do adult assessments and ask for someone in your area.

Before seeing your GP, do the Autism-Spectrum Quotient survey written by an expert in the field, Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at Cambridge's Autism Research Centre. The survey can be found at Autism-Spectrum Quotient.

If the test scores led you to take your assessment further, take along a print out of the test result to show your GP.

The GP may not refer you to services easily and in many areas austism falls between the twin stools of learning disability and mental health services. My area has no services for adult autism at all. The easiest and quickest route to diagnosis would be privately.

About three years ago, I was able to organise an assessment for someone and the cost was £75 for the intial assessment and £500 for the full assessment (I have no idea if those prices are indicative as I didn't 'shop around').

Thanks Seaview thats really helpful.