How long, O Lord?

Post Reply New Topic

Does anybody know what's the average waiting time when you've been referred to an agency or rehab (not sure what they call it) that's supposed to offer many services including a psychologist who is experienced with Asperger's in adults.

So far they've sent me a tick-off form saying I'm in, and that's all.

I tried to ask the social worker but she had a fit of nerves and said she'd try to get somebody to tell her. The rest is silence.

The thing is, I need help *now* - if they're going to take a year to find the super-duper psychologist, then I'll have to try somebody else in the meantime.

So - those of you who know this particular form of hell - how long should I wait?

Or should I wait forever, because if I go to a therapist on my own, then I don't need them and they throw me out?

c

hey, Claradoon! sorry you are so strung out on trying to get your therapy. I know you totally don't want to know this, but you are just starting the long slog being the guinea pig of the psychological profession. If you think that this part is slow, it's just because haven't seen how long and slow the rest of it is going to be.

I mean, obviously, there is no 'cure' for adult autism. There isn't even a 'therapy' because the concept 'if you've met one Aspie, you've met one Aspie' is demonstrably true. Each one of us are so complex and so unique getting to us and such a challenge, it is rare that there is a therapist that might actually be able to reach us to help us in the way we need the most.

So I guess I am saying to not be so anxious about it. It is going to take lots of time even after you get this stage done. But you are on your way!

Merle

Hi Merle - I see what you mean, but this isn't the first waiting agony. I think it's 3 years now, crawling my way from
clinic -> assessment committee -> psychiatrist & psychologist working together -> rehab who wanted more tests -> psychologist -> back to rehab -> booted to 2nd rehab, who have been so kind as to send me a tick-off form saying that I have been accepted.

There isn't anything to indicate that they won't wait 2 years to refer me to a 3rd rehab, or demand more tests.

I'm very down about this. At least I'm not on a waiting list for a kidney. And that's the most cheerful thing I can say about my life right now.

When I first heard that I might have Asperger's, I did lots of research, self assessments, etc. The person who suspected this, was a Licensed Social worker, who was not experienced in counseling people on the spectrum. But she made a real effort to study Asperger's, too, as well as gifting me with several books; amongst them, Thinking in Pictures, by Temple Grandin. She referred me to psychiatrist for testing, but the psychiatrist was an idiot, and her tests were more suited to children. I called an info and referral line, and was told about a counseling office that was for children and their families on the spectrum. I was encouraged to call there, too see if any of the staff were willing to work with a fairly desperate adult, who was tentatively diagnosed with Asperger's. And, voila! There was such a staff person. She was a psychologist, and, after diagnosing me, counseled me for nearly 2 years. I hope you can find someone who will work with you, Claradoon. It's a shame that most mental health professionals out there want to focus only on kids or young adults.