Hi all

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Hi there,

I just joined up! A friend who I lived with for a few years, said she thought I might have Aspergers. I've done some research and decided she is probably right! It actually helps me understand myself and my lifestyle quite a lot. I've made an appointment to see my doctor about it, but I'm sure I will be in for a long wait until I get a referral (NHS). Hope to learn more about this condition from you good people.

Regards
Neil

EDIT: My signature didn't show. Maybe I have to make a certain number of posts before it does? I've pasted it below anyway, so You can see the results of online tests I've taken below:

AQ Test = 44

Aspie Quiz:
Your neurodiverse (Aspie) score: 156 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 60 of 200
You are very likely neurodiverse (Aspie)

Welcome to WP! I can see your signature.

Yes, thanks, I found out where I was going wrong with the signature

Hey Neil welcome.

Welcome to WP, Neil.

I was formally diagnosed, here in the Yorkshire, only a few months ago - so it's not so long ago that I was in the position that you are in now.

Your self-test scores are certainly indicative that an assessment is appropriate, and I would advise you to take those along to your GP appointment. Most GPs know very little about autism, and can be prone to applying the same stereotypes that others often do in everyday life. The self-tests are good evidence to have on hand, and are even used by assessment teams as part of the initial screening, so they do have some clinical merit that you can point out if your GP is sceptical.

Waiting times can, sadly, be rather long. My GP had to try twice to get my referral accepted due to "funding problems", so try not to be disheartened or give up if your first attempt is not successful. You also have a right, enshrined in NHS policy, to a second opinion if your GP is not co-operative. Once my referral was accepted, I waited about nine months before my first evaluation appointment, and the process then took place during five sessions spaced over a couple of months. However, note that this is extremely variable between different NHS trusts, though my experience seems about "average" from having discussed it with other people from across the UK.

In the meantime, you have come to the right place. There's no need for a formal diagnosis before getting to know yourself better and finding good advice from others who share your traits. In fact, although my formal diagnosis gave me peace of mind and has helped with "red tape", the understanding and advice from fellow autistic people has been far more valuable to me than anything that the professionals have taught me. I hope you find the same.

Best wishes.

Thanks for the welcome and thank to you Trogluddite for the information about the NHS process.

I have made an appointment to see my doctor, which I'm very nervous about! My social problems mean it will be hard for me to put a good case across to her, even more so as this is the first time I will meet this new doctor as I have only recently moved back to the UK from Europe.

I will go armed with a handful of printouts of my test scores and some docs off the NAS website which contain information on my right to a diagnosis as an adult, under the autism act 2009.

I feel in some ways my local authority have let me down, as this should have been spotted when I was at school. Now I have read up on Asperger's, I see all the signs were there, that I had those traits.

Cheers
Neil

Hi Neil and welcome! Your signature might not have shown up because of the graphic. The more I read here, the more I learn about myself, and I am becoming more comfortable with myself. I guess it's because I am no longer alone. There's lots of people here just like me, well not exactly like me, but you know what I mean. It's just a comfort not to be alone. And I prefer writing to talking. So this is indeed a very comfortable place for me. Good luck with your doctor visit. I hope your doctor is understanding and not dismissive. Let us know how it goes.

Just thought that I'd report back that yesterday, I got my results - Yes I have ASD! I'm really pleased to have got my result.. That's weird no? I'm pleased that I have a disability?! What the.. LOL!

I'm hoping to find groups local to me that go on trips out to see museums etc. Even though I'm rubbish at socialising and building friendships, I get really lonely at home, so would love the chance to join in with something like that.

I live in North West UK if anyone knows of any such organisations?

Thanks
Neil

Hi Neil,

I hope you find the type of group you are looking for. Sadly, I am across the pond so I wouldn’t be able to join you.

Thanks ☺️