I know you guys say there’s no point of me getting assessed but now this is a matter of principle. The receptionist at my GP surgery said I need to contact my mental health team regarding this referral. The mental health team say the GP needs to make the referral to the autism place because the mental health team don’t deal with it. So I’m absolutely stuck because I don’t even know if the gp has sent the referral.
Also, I kinda wanted to get this assessment to help with disability … that makes me sound selfish, but I am struggling to stick to jobs…
Few have mentioned that it might not be necessary or even worth it, I can’t remember who. I have a pdoc appointment next month, I might ask on whether its worth going private even though I am entitled to a free assessment and my partner is saying I shouldn’t ask to go private cos they’ll just say do that so they don’t have to bother.
The waiting times here (Sussex) are nearly 3 years now
I got seen in 2 months, as the psychologist wanted me assessed and I said there would be no point in doing so if I had to wait that long - as the therapy was on a timer
Pretty sure it helped get pip renewed for longer and more money
However, the provision for autistic adults in my county is basically nothing…
When they diagnosed me, they gave me a list of charities, and I tried to contact a few but went no where
A tick on a disability form that gives one less of a headache was appreciated though
I have saved a bit , and I read that as long as the private assessors follow nice guidelines, the NHS has to accept the diagnosis… but then if I don’t have it, is it worth spending £2000 to £5000 on an assessment which will tell me I don’t have it.
i know it varies trust to trust but for me the gp got me to fill in a screening questionnaire and then they sent the referral. if you regularly see a psychiatrist perhaps see if they can arrange this for you? as sometimes gps devolve referring powers to secondary care teams when you’re under them.
The mental health team advised my gp to refer me because they can’t do it themselves (as they “are not commissioned to” in their words. ). The receptionist at my gp said it has to go through my mental health team and my mental health team said it has to go through my gp. It’s so frustrating.
I think part of the confusion is you have to have the right training to diagnose autism disorder. Not every doctor is qualified. It sounds like they are all saying they aren’t qualified.
The psychiatrist advised that I need a specialised assessment to determine if I have autism ( his suggestion to get it done). He told my gp to refer me 3 months ago. Heard nothing of it since. Seems it might be because of my age they simply don’t care.
The mental health team where my psychiatrist is at are not commissioned to do such assessments. Autism and adhd assessments are done somewhere else. And referrals need to go through gp. They can only advise them what to do. But I know what you mean it’s so frustrating cos the receptionists at the gp are insisting I talk to mental health. I sent them the email my mental health sent me so awaiting response. Wish it was done the way you are saying. It’s such a crap system.
Being diagnosed with schizophrenia was enough for me to get pip. The last time i applied i did it myself, this was a few years ago. Before that i got help from advice agencies.
I recommend keeping a written log of all the ways your illness affects your daily life, then using this to fill in the application form.
