ASD/ADHD and Right to Choose

Catherine21

I called lady Said will resend tomorrow asked the important question how long is the waiting list 4 years ! I'd really want the autism test

Albus_Scope

Waiting times are very silly currently @Catherine21! I'm on year one of waiting for my ADHD assessment, only another couple of years to go.

So many people are going private now, but the problem of getting an ADHD assessment that way, is often the providers can give the diagnosis, but can't give the medication, so people are having to wait for another 3 years to get an NHS diagnosis. It's all very silly.

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/913930#Comment_913930

So frustrating when you know 100 percent you have adhd and autism wow is it expensive going private if not being nosey hope you get an appointment soon

Catherine21

Ah yes that's crazy would love to experience what it's like just not to think every second of the day no wonder have no time fir people I've already had a million conversations in my head with them lol

Albus_Scope

haha, I know what you mean @Catherine21 I was the same before my assessment.

Though I think (just personal opinion) if you're sure you have ADHD or ASD, it's ok to self diagnose. It can be an unpopular opinion of course.

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/913944#Comment_913944

IIs ASD adhd and autism if so 100 percent but in my teens I wasn't quiet I used to be loud but think that was to hide dyslexia as didn't have a clue what teachers was on about only lesson I liked was art as lady wrote about being 52 and just diagnosed I understand I think I got Bpd and bdd through trauma of undiagnosed adhd and frustrating when yourelize all these years it wasn't all your fault hardest part is no career in and out of jobs relationships on out of trouble I'm not blaming everything on MH really wish I could get a job and hold it down hate being part of The system I'm sorry I was wrong to be so rude to you all you have been is helpful and supportive I appreciate that your a kind person to still offer me support thankyou

Albus_Scope

There's no need to apologise at all @Catherine21 it's all in the past, but thank you, it's really appreciated. 😊

It's very common for women to get misdiagnosed with BPD as there's so many similarities to Autism. I can totally empathise though, being late diagnosed has been a blessing to me, but it does conjure up all kinds of other "what if" questions about my past. But it's allowed me to be more gentle with myself and I now know why I react to certain things like I do. So it's allowed me to grow as a person. I'm really hoping it'll help you too. 😊

eeL

Catherine21 Be kind to yourself even if no one else is! I totally get the bitterness about the past, I still feel it, it makes me quite an angry and resentful person at times, and that probably sometimes makes me come across as rude, even though that's not who we are. I've heard wonderful stories about people with our issues who've led famous or hugely successful professional lives because somebody realised when they were a child and bothered with them and encouraged them, who had supportive relationships, and I've thought 'Why not me?!'. I also have dyslexia and other issues and it's a fact that if you don't fit the mainstream system you not only get sidelined but maligned as a horrible / difficult person of bad character as well. It's tough. But realising all that at least means you can, as you say, stop blaming yourself for everything just because everyone else did or does. It's ignorance. Your knowledge of their ignorance doesn't make it right or improve a situation or get you any further in life but you can learn to find a little corner where you feel comfortable being you. I'm currently struggling with work issues (again!) and sometimes I feel like Quasi Modo in the bell tower 'cos I'm treated like a freak but that doesn't mean Quasi Modo couldn't find happiness in his own space 😊 It was society that made him feel a freak, I bet the pigeons in his bell tower didn't mind him! Sometimes the bell tower's not a bad place to be when you see how the rest of them behave…

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/913961#Comment_913961

Thats great to hear thankyou

apples

I’ve been referred for an asd assessment June last year and told the wait is 3 years, and recently been referred for adhd assessment told 3 year wait also, when I asked my gp about the adhd referral they said I was referred by email so I have no idea if it’s been done or not as not had any correspondence

Catherine21

Can I ask what job you do ? I'm panicking think what job could I actually do thankyou for the message very kind and Yes instead of THE BELLS be screaming THIS HELL oh gotta to laugh I be wailing later

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/914310#Comment_914310

I would google The gateway in your area mental health services that deals with referrals my area Reading where assessment takes place I phoned them yesterday they said yes on list can take four years but sending questionnaire through post as no good online definitely try that not a great response from your doctor

apples

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/914313#Comment_914313

Thanks Catherine, I will have a look but it’s hard for me to understand any of it tbh, when I last phone the service that my asd was referred to they said they were employing more staff this year due to the list but still saying the 3 years

have You been referred for adhd and asd ?

egister

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/914310#Comment_914310

It is necessary to exempt from paying taxes while waiting for a doctor. Then I think doctors will appear in the NHS quickly.

Catherine21

How mine went was spoke to doctor about adhd and he gave me questionnaire filled out then he said he will refer me so then I received another form from assessment centre filled in sent back then I recieved email saying been accepted so on waiting list can take 4 years so I'd suggest you google nearest adhd assessment centre to you mines reading phone and ask if on list they will be able to tell you hope my message makes sense

Little_Owl

Has anyone used Dr J and colleagues for ADHD assessment? How was your experience? I'm planning to ask my GP for a referral but just wanted to make sure I'm chosing the right provider for me (I really dislike video calls, hence why I'm avoiding the online providers). Any suggestions on how to approach this with my GP?

Jimm_Scope

Hey @Little_Owl, the way it went for me was the GP went through a quick pre-assessment with me to see if I reached a certain threshold on that then they just put the referral through. It wasn't a very in-depth process. I was then able to use the referral to go to a reputable private clinic. The wait for the NHS clinic in my area was over 2 years at the time.

If the first GP you speak to doesn't take it seriously I would suggest you could request a second opinion from one of the other doctors. I did not have that issue personally!

Albus_Scope

One important thing to check first @Little_Owl is whether the provider will be able to give you prescriptions for any ADHD medication you may decide you need. Many don't, so you'd need to go back through the NHS for another assessment (another 2+ years!) before you'd be allowed them.

Little_Owl

Thanks @Jimm_Scope. I had a bad response from a GP when I asked for an autism assessment which is why I'm a bit worried about asking for this one. In the end it was my psychiatrist who referred me. I will obviously avoid that particular doctor but it's still a bit worrying.

@Albus_Scope I have emailed the provider to check that they prescribe medication and they said that they do "titration" of medication which I took to be the same as prescribing? Titration generally means finding the right dose so I would assume that's OK.

eeL

I asked my GP and was told 'You got your autism assessment, you don't need a tick in the box for something else as well at your age, settle for what you've got. There's no point at your time of life'. I'm 55 and still working.