How do you get diagnosed as an adult with ASD in....

[trekster]

Hello

 

ive decided to start this thread as ive got friend in the UK who are obviously asperger (to me and other NAS workers) but still without a diagnosis.

They have expressed a wish to be diagnosed but their doctor doesnt listen to them.

 

Bath and Bournemouth are the 1st areas.

 

The Bath person has parents to support their application and a doctor that seems to have a "go away" attitude. (B&NES)

 

The Bournemouth doesn't and their relatives don't remember their behaviour as a child either. (Dorset)

 

Any ideas on how to help these autistic friends of mine?

 

Alexis

[Sally44]

It might be worth contacting the National Autistic Society to see if they have any information about how to get a diagnosis (as an adult) in those areas. There have been a couple of other adults who have posted about getting a dx and they also found their GP was not helpful and ended up going privately.

But it might be worth the adult writing a letter to their GP asking for them to refer them to a diagnostic centre that has experience in diagnosing ASDs. And they could state that the 'reason' they are seeking this dx is so that they can access services and supports as adults. Sometimes putting things in writing is better because it is easier for a GP to "say" a referal is not possible or not necessary. If they are asked in letter form, it is much harder for them to write the same things because you then have 'written proof' that a referal was denied. If anything were to happen in the future, the person could use that letter of refusal as evidence that the GP did not act responsibly. So it is always worth sending in a well worded letter. Again, maybe the NAS could help with the wording of such a letter?

[dee23]

Hi trekster

We are in North Somerset and i contacted NAS regarding diagnosis for my partner. The only NHS place they sent me details of was the Southampton Autism Research Centre (i think thats how the name is worded). They also sent me details of only one private diagnostician, but we want to avoid that if possible.

 

Happily my partners GP is sympathetic (after finally reading the whole of my partners medical records, which itself only happened after a period of suicidal feelings and behaviour earlier this year, when the police and ambulance had to be called more than once.......but at least he finally read them, and saw a distinct pattern going back to childhood), and we are now waiting while the GP goes through the process of trying to make an out of area referral.

 

My partner has not read his own medical records, but is currently working up the confidence to ask to see them, and then read them. Would that help your friend who has no-one who can give information about childhood? I realise it could be difficult, and someone could perhaps see things on their records that they would rather not, so of course it may not be appropriate for your friend, but it may be something to think about.

[trekster]

It might be worth contacting the National Autistic Society to see if they have any information about how to get a diagnosis (as an adult) in those areas. There have been a couple of other adults who have posted about getting a dx and they also found their GP was not helpful and ended up going privately.

But it might be worth the adult writing a letter to their GP asking for them to refer them to a diagnostic centre that has experience in diagnosing ASDs. And they could state that the 'reason' they are seeking this dx is so that they can access services and supports as adults. Sometimes putting things in writing is better because it is easier for a GP to "say" a referal is not possible or not necessary. If they are asked in letter form, it is much harder for them to write the same things because you then have 'written proof' that a referal was denied. If anything were to happen in the future, the person could use that letter of refusal as evidence that the GP did not act responsibly. So it is always worth sending in a well worded letter. Again, maybe the NAS could help with the wording of such a letter?

 

My friends were told "no point in getting a diagnosis as there arent any services for you anyway". Im hoping the autism strategy due to be released in Dec 2010 will help isolated persons such as these get the recognition they need.

[trekster]

Hi trekster

We are in North Somerset and i contacted NAS regarding diagnosis for my partner. The only NHS place they sent me details of was the Southampton Autism Research Centre (i think thats how the name is worded). They also sent me details of only one private diagnostician, but we want to avoid that if possible.

 

Happily my partners GP is sympathetic (after finally reading the whole of my partners medical records, which itself only happened after a period of suicidal feelings and behaviour earlier this year, when the police and ambulance had to be called more than once.......but at least he finally read them, and saw a distinct pattern going back to childhood), and we are now waiting while the GP goes through the process of trying to make an out of area referral.

 

My partner has not read his own medical records, but is currently working up the confidence to ask to see them, and then read them. Would that help your friend who has no-one who can give information about childhood? I realise it could be difficult, and someone could perhaps see things on their records that they would rather not, so of course it may not be appropriate for your friend, but it may be something to think about.

 

Im in the UK and was diagnosed at Tyndall's Park Children's centre. Ask to be referred to the "Bristol Asperger syndrome service". Im also in Nth Somerset. If you ring the filton office Simon Allen can put you in touch with our social groups. Also an Avon parents/carers group is meeting on the 16th Dec (where carers and partners of Asperger folk are welcome to join). Send me a private email for details.

 

Alexis

[Nats mum]

I have recently been diagnosed and to say it was a battle is an understatement. BE PREPARED but it is well worth it. It is like a huge weight off my shoulders and now I can build a life.. anyway I digress..

FIRST contact yoru GP and ask him to refer you to a mental health unit. IF he refuses then write a letter of complaint officially sayng you will take this matter to a tribunal against doctors.

Once you see the mental health people, then ge tthem to rule out your not nuts (no offence to those who are but I am not sure how to put that diplomatically)

Then go back to doctor adn have him refer you to the enarest mental health unit that specialises in autism. you should get your diagnosis from there.

 

you can have it done privately but it is around £700- £1000