Help in getting an Aspergers diagnoses in England as a Adult

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The more I have read about Aspergers the more a lot of my childhood and current problems make sense. I really would like to be seen by a professional and be assesed. I have struggled all my life and want to get things sorted..

However I haven't a clue how to start. I have been seeing my GP for depression, do I bring it up with her? I hav eread that it can be v difficult for adults to get a diganoses on the NHS. Does anyone have any experince of mgoing through this in England?

Or should I go private? Money isn't an issue but is a private disagnoses taken seriously as an NHS one?

Any been through it as an adult and can advise me?

If you contact the UK's National Autistic Society (NAS) they will be able to give you information about the assessment process, how to obtain a referal and who is likely to conduct an assessment in your area.

Thnaks, I will.

At the momnet I am thinking of getting a private diganoses as I have read the NHS can take a very long time and can be very long winded.

Has anyone in England got a private disgnoses? Is it taken seriouly?

My experience of the NHS so far has been terrible. My GP has been great and very understanding but I feel very let down by my local Mental Health Services, who have now basically washed their hands of me without any further advice as to where I should go or what I should do. None of this makes any sense, as in my area we are supposed to have an Autism/Aspergers unit of some renown (Maudsley, near Kings College hospital).

I'm also considering going private, so I'd be interested to hear how it goes for you.

I am seeing my GP tom so will let you know. However the more I read about adult disagnoses on the NHS the more I'm inclinded to go private. I have been told it costs about £500, although it would be worth it.

If you can afford it, I would definitely go private over NHS. From what I've heard, it can be really hard to get a specialist to diagnose you through the NHS, and particularly one who has experience with adults on the autism spectrum.

That being said, from what I've been finding out about a private diagnosis, it's going to cost you a lot more than £500, I'd say it'll be more like £1000. The ones who specialise in treating adults with AS can be quite expensive, but that's just what I've found through researching private autism specialists.

Thanks I emailed them and they were v helpful. It seems disanoses on the NHS is going to be difficult but I will certainly ask my GP.

If not they have given me a list of phycolgists in my area who can do it privately, although it can costs from £200-£1000! I thhink I will probably go donw that route as I want it more for my benifit than anyone elses.

What kind of benefit could you derive from a diagnosis?

I'd know that I wasn't a freek and would mean a great deal to me.

My GP tried hard to get me a diagnosis on the NHS, but in the end we agreed she'd refer me to a place I could get a private diagnosis (which luckily my parents agreed to fund). As an adult, it's extremely difficult to get an NHS diagnosis.
Which part of the UK are you in? If you're near me I can suggest places you could go to get private diagnosis.

You aren't a freak!

I think if anyone presents a question or problem to any psychiatrist or psychologist they will find a label for it... and offer a cure, or treatment, or chill pills with follow up visits... at least that is the story in the U.S... imo. And in the US these relationships with the "helping professions" can be very hard to break, and can go on for decades. And... at the risk of exposing myself as a grumpy old man, here in the US if you don't like the first diagnosis... or believe it, you can find another doctor who may just see you in the light that you see yourself.

My GP has been very helpful and has agreed that there is a good possibility i'm on the austictic spectrum and is refereing me to the mental health team in my area for further help and diagnoses so all goood, so far!

My GP referred me but they said they didn't diagnose people over twelve. I hope your team is better.

Thnak you but I feel like a freek. I can'y do so may things my peers can do and its upsets me a great deal.

I'm in the South West but would be prapaired to travel., can I ask how much it cost to go private? PM if you want.

I had a private diagnosis which cost a few hundred ££s and took three separate sessions.

I'm in Yorkshire though, so I probably won't be much help to you.

Good luck in getting a diagnosis, don't give up