I have self diagnosed Aspergers and ADHD

anicanovich

Hello, I have self diagnosed Aspergers and ADHD and have joined a few facebook groups for support to help me start making sense of myself and my traumatic past. Would like to find peace inside and one day help others too. Look forward to meeting new people.

Sam_Alumni

Hi @anicanovich welcome to the community.  You say you are self diagnosed, would you like some information about getting a full diagnosis?

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anicanovich

Hello, thank you for writing back to me. My partner a nurse with mental health training suggested I complete an online test by a Dr from oxford uni, in which I scored 96% probability for Aspergers, yes I would like to get a full diagnosis please. I am a full time carer for my partner so we are both on benefits, so couldn't afford an expensive test. I have difficulties with processing and anger management I think from childhood abuse so would like some help to heal and stop self harming. Thank you.

anicanovich

Hello DannyMoore, thank you. That's what I've been doing on facebook and lots of books from the library about aspects of aspergers and autism, so many things are starting to make sense including thinking I was going insane. I will watch the youtube film later thank you x

Sam_Alumni

@VioletFenn do you have any information about getting a free diagnosis through the NHS?

anicanovich

Sam - sorry I don't understand the last message. Was it intended for me?

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anicanovich

Ahh thank you for explaining that to me. What happens to good old fashioned pen and paper. Does that mean Sam will let me know what she manages to find out?

Sam_Alumni

Hi @anicanovich sorry for the confusion.  As Danny says I was just tagging in our ASD advisor to ask her for some advice.  She is a volunteer though and so I am not too sure when she will be able to answer, but when she does, it will appear in these messages.

I did find this information on the NHS website though;

Diagnosing ASD in adults

Some people with ASD grow up without their condition being recognised, but it's never too late to get a diagnosis. Some people may be scared of being diagnosed because they feel it will "label" them, and lower other people's expectations of them. 

But there are several advantages to getting a diagnosis. It helps people with the condition and their families understand ASD and decide what sort of support they need. A diagnosis may also make it easier to access autism-specific services and claim benefits.

See your GP if you think you may have ASD and ask them to refer you to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The National Autistic Society website has information about being diagnosed with ASD if you're an adult.

If you're already seeing a specialist for other reasons, you may want to ask them for a referral instead.

Read more about diagnosing ASD in adults and advice for adults living with ASD.

You can also read the NICE guidelines about the recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum (PDF, 267kb).

anicanovich

Thank you very much for sending me this info I will have a read. I am seeing a specialist nurse from aspergers team on 10th Oct do you think I should wait to see her first before pursuing through the links you sent? Thank you so much

VioletFenn

Hello! *waves*


The first step for a formal dx is to speak to your GP and ask for a referral. You are absolutely entitled to a referral (whatever you may be told) and it is perfectly acceptable to ask to see a different GP if the first one disagrees with you. It helps to take a written list of ALL the reasons you feel you have ASD, because most GPs have very little knowledge of the condition, unfortunately. The waiting list might be long, but you should get there eventually.

The National Autistic Society has very good advice here - it is also worth googling for local ASD support groups and getting in touch with them, as they might be able to point you in the right direction with how best to access the system in your own area.

Violet
ASD advisor, Scope 

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anicanovich

Thank you, I have an initial appt with a specialist nurse on 10 Oct, will they be able to get me on list for the test? That's a great idea of making a list to take with me. I've joined a few facebook pages which have really helped me understand alot of my past and behaviours. However can I get help from them for self harming and negative behaviour? Thank you so much.

Anomoly

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with ASD and from that assessment I was referred for an ADHD diagnosis. I have had the first assessment for ADHD just awaiting an appointment for the next stage of the assessment. This was all arranged via my GP. It has been a long process which began in November 2014. Good luck getting your diagnosis sorted out

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