In the UK, it's such hard work because it depends so entirely on where you live. Some places make it so much more difficult than others, some just have no funding, some have nowhere to refer you to. I can't imagine that the route is the same for everyone.
I really am lucky that I've got here at last. Best of luck to anyone taking that route, and I'm here if you need support in getting there.
jcq126 wrote:
How did you go from a verbal probable to 3 years later an official diagnosis if you dont mind sharing, as a lot of other posters here struggle from making the step from GP to a specialist who can diagnose. The information may be beneficial for others.
I don't think that if I had the choice I'd go down the same route again...too much heartache.
- saw GP with verbal probable, she referred me to counsellor but no appointment ever arrived (early 2011). She said she could do nothing, there was nowhere to refer and the only thing to do was see counsellor for help in developing self-help skills.
- had bad depression- was caused by dealing with having cancer, which turned out to not be cancer...
- had a breakdown= time off work
- CBT therapist felt getting diagnosis beneficial, asked GP to refer for diagnosis- new place just opened at hospital
- referred for diagnosis, but letter returned saying no funding for people over 25 (was just 26 at the time- mid 2012).
- depression led to big problems at work = capability, meeting with HR
- HR recommended support from Access to Work for mental health issues
- Access to Work suggested looking at AS-based assessment for work.
- Carried out and support recommended
- Support given at work from support worker who works with autistic adults. (I am incredibly lucky with this) Support continued even when I had to have a further month off work when depression got bad again.
- I moved house (early 2013) into new PCT.
- Support Worker recommended asking new GP for referral as moved to new area
- Spoke to GP- supportive as was still struggling with depression pretty badly, as well as developing further mental health issues.
- Support worker gave supporting letter to GP and details of place for assessment and for funding- new place had just opened up.
- Got referral! (Supportive GP really makes a difference, especially one who has experience in treating other adults with autism)
- 4 months later, got diagnostic appointment- with clinical psychologist and speech/language therapist. My support worker came with me and gave her insight from the 14 months she'd worked with me.
- Now waiting for report from them so I can discuss with my GP
I think the key points I would say are
* be persistent with your GP and keep asking- but don't get angry or upset with them- just ask and remind them you are still waiting.
* know where to get referral TO- most GPs rarely encounter adults needing autism diagnosis and so have no idea what to do.
* try to get as much support as you can from people around you: I've really struggled as I've had so little support with AS diagnosis.
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Depression, GAD, Social Anxiety and unidentified mental health issues too
And now OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED!
18 Jan 2014, 9:10 am
