ScotchEgg Report post Posted November 12, 2011 I've only introduced myself this evening on the site, but I think I need to cut to the chase and ask for the advice I really need right now I would like to have a private adult assessment for AS - I do not want this on my medical records at the moment, as I have no trust in the NHS due to previous misdiagnosis and the effect this could have on future employability. I have a pleasant GP, but I am unsure whether I can have an "off the record" chat with her prior to requesting an assessment. I think she would provide a sympathetic ear, but I can't be certain. I know now from extensive reading and self-administered tests that I tick pretty much all the diagnostic boxes for AS, especially given the difficulties I had in my childhood (I am now 44). While I manage everything reasonably well now and have learnt to survive in a confusing world, largely thanks to a tolerant and understanding spouse, recognition would give meaning to all the painful experiences of my earlier years - I would be able to understand my difficulties and maybe believe myself different, rather than as the emotional and social screw-up that I have often felt myself to be. If anyone can recommend a specialist who is can take self-referrals (including approximate price), please could you let me know via personal messaging (I realise you cannot display this information in the forums). I am in NW England but am willing to travel anywhere in the UK for the best service. Also, if anyone has any stories to tell re. the referral process, please let me know. I am pretty terrified about the process, but I cannot let it go as I have a real desire to understand and make sense of my experiences. Thank you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lilnicki Report post Posted November 12, 2011 I can't help in any practical way, as i was seen by the NHS, and i live in the south west. Like you though i had a very strong desire just to KNOW. From my research and reading of forums, it was fairly obvious that there isn't that much help for adults after diagnosis, so in one respect my diagnosis was fairly pointless, but to me it was crucial. I did some online tests before i went, because i didn't want to waste anyones time if i didn't have it....from those i was re-assured somewhat that i did. My memory is very poor, so i made a big list of all my "issues", because i wouldn't remember much if asked to list them......I was terribly anxious for the first 15 minutes or so, but the psychiatrist was very calming and re-assuring. I think a good place for you to start is the NAS ( national autistic society)....they should be able to point you in the right direction of someone who can help you. Good luck with it all, and let us know how you get on. Nicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScotchEgg Report post Posted November 12, 2011 Thank you for your kind words - I have also received some PM for which I am also grateful. I would be very interested to see how I get on with a private assessment in the first instance, provided it is not too expensive, and they realise the difference between a child/adolescent and adult assessment. If anything significant were to come out of it then I might consider speaking to my GP. I am going to be at the milder end of any diagnosis, but this cannot ignore my significant difficulties as a very unhappy child and my efforts to mask it all as an adult. As I mentioned before, having an understanding other half has mattered more than anything else, but putting my life into some sort of contect would also help a lot. Thank you again Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Suze Report post Posted November 13, 2011 Good luck with whatever you deciede to do.However a diagnosis or not ...your still more than welcome to join us all on the forum Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lynden Report post Posted November 13, 2011 Won't a private consultant write to your GP anyway or do you have to give approval for that? My daughter and I see private consultants for different health issues and they always write to our GP after each appointment. I may have given permission at some point though - I can't remember! Lynne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tally Report post Posted November 13, 2011 Some do write to your GP and others do not. Mine didn't. Zoota, if you have a look through some of the older posts in this folder, you will find many people have asked the same question as you, and you might find some of the replies helpful. The NAS do have a list of professionals qualified to diagnose ASD in adults. They will be able to tell you the nearest NHS and private ones to you. There is a search tool on this page, or you can phone the number there and hoefully you will be able to find someone in your area: http://www.autism.org.uk/directory/browse/cid=80~aid=6.aspx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScotchEgg Report post Posted November 13, 2011 (edited) Thank you for all the replies - I have done well to find such a supportive advice and am grateful for all the posts and also for the private messages. I've been having a look around some of the older posts too, and I agree that there there is some good information. It's good to know I am not alone, and it is amazing just how many people seem to be in a similar position to me, although everyone has their own unique experiences. I will keep on in my quest and keep you all posted on what happens. I've had niggles in the back of my mind for about three years now, but it seems to be getting more urgent since I've started to explore the relative prevalence of women with AS and how the signs can be more subtle - it's me all over, although I cope pretty well these days. Oh, I think that a private assessment can remain that, so long as it is stipulated from the outset. I hope so anyway! Thank again. Edited November 13, 2011 by zoota Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
