I have been under the mental health services for a long while. I most likely don't have a personality disorder but have requested an evaluation to rule it out and that is happening on Thursday. (I was referred into a service for people with long term emotional problems which turned out to almost exclusively be for personality disorders within a group setting. It has been a very poor fit. As I was told by someone outside the service that I had to prove it wasn't a good fit before I could be referred on, I'm allowed a diagnostic interview even though I am soon to be leaving the service.)
I asked for an autism assessment. The normal adult autism specialist they refer to has retired and the entire referral/assessment process has recently changed.
I have received a letter, telling me that given my circumstances my psychologist has arranged an agreement that bypasses the 'normal channels' as they take a long time.
The process outlined is:
(They = the local autism service/charity)
- They will offer you and appointment to discuss getting a diagnostic referral (within a few weeks).
- They will complete the referral form and send it to the autism specialist clinic.
- They will write to your GP to say you have been referred.
- The autism clinic will send you questionnaires to complete & return to them.
- They autism clinic offers you an appointment for the assessment.
I'm not sure what's different about this than usual, except that my psychologist is my supporter rather than my GP, perhaps?
24 Feb 2015, 8:02 am
