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nedgly

Psychiatrist? - is this a route to diagnosis?

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Hi, I've been reading this forum for some months and have learned an awful lot about Aspergers. I really do think my daughter has AS and I have been backwards and forwards to school and doctors for some years. I have finally made a long list of all the problems my daughter has and has had in the past and went to see a different doctor today, she thought that I was probably right to think she needs to see someone but she is not qualified to tell me what could be the problem. The doctor is going to refer her to CAFS to see a psychiatrist, my question is "Is a psychiatrist the right route to take to get a diagnosis?" I just don't want to be passed to someone else who isn't going to help.

 

Thanks Nedglyxx

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Whether the professional your DD sees is a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist the most important thing is that they specialise in assessing ASDs.

 

I was seen by a psychiatist from my local mental health team, and it was horrific and utterly pointless because he knew nothing about AS.

 

But I was diagnosed by another psychiatrist at a specialist AS adult diagnostic clinic.

 

So I would find out if this particular psychiatrist is a specialist in the field of ASD: for example are they part of your local paediatric CDC team?

 

Good luck!

 

Bid :)

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Hi my son was diagnosed by a physch when he was 7 yrs .He made the formal dx ,but an Occupational therapist, ed physch,and a diagnosis of dyslexia and auditory processing probs also contributed to his conclusion that my son has aspergers.

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my sons community paediatric doctor referred him to camhs who assessed him, he was very helpful and then put us back to the community paed and asked her to do the assessment for autism. sorry I can't remember what it was called but he was diagnosed with Aspergers.

 

Good luck.

 

Angel.

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Hi nedgly Welcome to the Forum.

I am not sure how old your daughter is.In my area the other route to obtain a Diagnosis is the Child Development Team.However they tend to see younger children.As others have said the most important thing is that your daughter is refered to a professional with experience,knowledge and skills in AS-they may be a paediatrician,child and adolescent psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.Karen.

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Hi My son was sent to the cahms team. this was made up of psychologists, nurses, play therapist and a psychiatrist. the assessment was done over 13wks with the team, mainly the psychologist, and the diagnosis was made by the psychiatrist.

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Hi,

My son was diagnosed by a consultant psychiarist to whom he was refered by the psychologist. It did take a whole year, so be ready for what could be a long journey.

 

Clare x x x

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My son was diagnosed by a child psychiatrist (twice - he saw one at CAMHS and a private one). It didn't take long to get the diagnosis, even though he has 'mild' Aspergers.

 

I think you're better off going this route - but if you don't get a diagnosis that you think is right, and if you don't think the psychiatrist has spent enough time investigating, then don't stop there. Demand another opinion - if you can find one, try to get a referral to a local specialist in ASD (try NAS or any local groups in your area, or ask your GP to make enquiries to find a psychiatrist with an interest in ASD).

 

I hope you get the help you need.

 

Elanor

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Thanks everyone, for your help. My daughter is 15 by the way and has been having difficulties in lots of areas for what seems like forever. It's only recently that someone mentioned ASD and it has made me look into it and the more I do the more I see my daughter! I just hope i've finally got somewhere and we will have a diagnosis and be able to help her and make things easier. Nedgly

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