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Get tested: Aspergers/HFA/ADD

Elan
Posts: 54 Forumite
Hi, I'll try to be brief, I participated in a study that mentioned offhandedly I had difficulties in executive functioning, years later a dyslexia test mentioned the same thing, saying something about it meaning I'm a bit disorganised (understatement of forever), while struggling as usual something said to look up executive functioning---and I noticed poor EF was a key feature of Asperger's/HFA/ADD all three of which I identify with.
I'm a young adult female (so I know these things present differently), and I want to get tested, I'm not sure for which one. I anticipate that NHS will be obstructive and abusive and to be honest there's not much in me left to fight them. I wanted to get tested by a specialist recognised by NHS/the system and am willing to pay (within reason as I live on very little [under £200]). Can someone suggest where I could go to get tested/give any advice? Thanks
I'm a young adult female (so I know these things present differently), and I want to get tested, I'm not sure for which one. I anticipate that NHS will be obstructive and abusive and to be honest there's not much in me left to fight them. I wanted to get tested by a specialist recognised by NHS/the system and am willing to pay (within reason as I live on very little [under £200]). Can someone suggest where I could go to get tested/give any advice? Thanks
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I dont think we would be allowed to name or recommend an individual specialist on here even if we knew one.
The Uk Autistic charity provides lots of information and advice, including a directory of professionals here:
http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/all-about-diagnosis/diagnosis-information-for-adults/how-do-i-get-a-diagnosis.aspx
Good luck with getting your tests.Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy - Anne Frank :A0 -
cattermole wrote: »I dont think we would be allowed to name or recommend an individual specialist on here even if we knew one.
The Uk Autistic charity provides lots of information and advice, including a directory of professionals here:
http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/all-about-diagnosis/diagnosis-information-for-adults/how-do-i-get-a-diagnosis.aspx
Good luck with getting your tests.
The OP wasn't asking for the name of an individual specialist. Step 1 in the link you gave is the best advice, speak to your GP.The more I know about people, the better I like my dogs.
Mark Twain.0 -
cattermole wrote: »I dont think we would be allowed to name or recommend an individual specialist on here even if we knew one.
The Uk Autistic charity provides lots of information and advice, including a directory of professionals here:
http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/all-about-diagnosis/diagnosis-information-for-adults/how-do-i-get-a-diagnosis.aspx
Good luck with getting your tests.
That charity are awful when it comes to adults. Certainly one I wouldn't touch with a barge pole.
I went to my GP and explained my situation and was seen by community mental health.
You may be told they won't test you due to lack of funding and they may also argue that you've coped up until now. (whether you have, is debatable)Sealed pot challenge #232. Gold stars from Sue-UU - :staradmin :staradmin £75.29 banked
50p saver #40 £20 banked
Virtual sealed pot #178 £80.250 -
Definitely not looking forward to speaking to my GP. I will take the advise on offer and try this. I've never coped, everyday life is an exhausting struggle marked by chronic failure, anxiety/depression and harassment/bullying, periods of unemployment and bad employment and wondering why I don't give up already. It's extremely hard to get taken seriously, even when I mentioned I had dyslexia no one believed me, the workers in the shelter I used to live just laughed and asked when I was going to hurry up and get a boyfriend. I don't know I'll try the GP...but yea..0
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It would help you (and your GP) if you can explain (I just used bullet points on a piece of paper) why you feel you may have Autism.Sealed pot challenge #232. Gold stars from Sue-UU - :staradmin :staradmin £75.29 banked
50p saver #40 £20 banked
Virtual sealed pot #178 £80.250 -
Definitely not looking forward to speaking to my GP. I will take the advise on offer and try this. I've never coped, everyday life is an exhausting struggle marked by chronic failure, anxiety/depression and harassment/bullying, periods of unemployment and bad employment and wondering why I don't give up already. It's extremely hard to get taken seriously, even when I mentioned I had dyslexia no one believed me, the workers in the shelter I used to live just laughed and asked when I was going to hurry up and get a boyfriend. I don't know I'll try the GP...but yea..
Which could be symptomatic of many things. I would question what you want from a diagnosis? I spent years trying to put a name to what was wrong with me - only to realise that, unless you have bags of money for private treatment, it doesn't change a thing.0 -
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I was diagnosed with ASD when I was in my forties.
An adult diagnosis takes time to arrange - and you need to be persistent! If it helps then you can always take a friend/relative to the GP and the specialist
In the first instance I made an appointment to see my GP. I explained that I felt I may have Aspergers and asked about getting an official diagnosis. I had a list with me so that I could show why I felt I have Aspergers.
The GP admitted that just going by my list, I had grounds for suspecting I possibly had Aspergers. He told me that he was not qualified to make the diagnosis and that I would need a referral to a psychiatrist specialising in adult diagnoses. Unfortunately there was no one in the area qualified for this, and the Health Authority would not fund an NHS referral outside the county.
With the help of the World's Best Mum I pushed my GP. I did my research - and found a list of specialists in the area and asked the GP if he was sure that I couldn't be referred to one of them. My GP could see that I wasn't prepared to give up - and promised to see what could be done. A few weeks later I had a phonecall to say that one specialist was technically outside our local area but DID come to a local hospital a couple of times a month - and had agreed to see me - and the NHS would fund it!.
When you finally get an appointment with a specialist in adult diagnosis - be prepared for it to take some time. I had a number of sessions before getting my diagnosis. The specialist also arranged for a number of other tests to be carried out - including a variety of blood tests - in order to rule out other possible diagnoses. He also wanted a VERY detailed past history - my mother was with me at all times and was able to fill in a lot of the family history. My final diagnosis showed that I have HFA.
As to tomtontom's question - what do you want from a diagnosis? I'd like to explain what I wanted it for - and why it has helped me immeasurably....(it is a very common question!)
The main reason for the diagnosis was for myself - it gave me a reason for the way I was. It made it a lot easier for me to accept myself and the way I feel.
It gave me a reason to offer others - including family members when they got irritated with me and my behavioural quirks.
Seeing the specialist helped me mange some of my symptoms. He was familiar with my condition in a way that my GP wasn't. He was able to recommend medication that has made a huge difference to my anxiety attacks, to my verbal tics and to my muscle coordination. (If I had not been referred for diagnosis my GP would not have learned of these medications)
After my diagnosis, the specialist referred me to a social worker - who helped me to sort out a few ways to keep my independence as long as possible.
Having an 'official' diagnosis has made it easier to deal with some officials. When I needed to move into social housing ( and more recently into sheltered housing) the diagnoses helped to speed up the process. Also, when claiming IB/ESA and DLA it was useful to not only have the list of symptoms but to be able to link them to a diagnosis.
Good luck Elan. I hope you are able to get a referral for diagnosis - so that you can sort things out one way or the other!0 -
Which could be symptomatic of many things. I would question what you want from a diagnosis? I spent years trying to put a name to what was wrong with me - only to realise that, unless you have bags of money for private treatment, it doesn't change a thing.
For most of us, it's just wanting an explanation. It's somewhat embarrassing when a stranger (I hadn't even said anything to her, just to make it worse!) askes if you have Autism and you have no idea how to respond.
It has been suggested for years that I have it.
The diagnosis has meant that the ESA / DLA process has been easier.
But on the flip side, I've had so called "professionals" tell me I can't possibly be Autistic and it's just anxiety. Anciety doesn't cause the behaviours I have. I have never been diagnosed with anxiety either.Sealed pot challenge #232. Gold stars from Sue-UU - :staradmin :staradmin £75.29 banked
50p saver #40 £20 banked
Virtual sealed pot #178 £80.250 -
print off the descriptors for the condition and for each one add details of your feelings. views. behaviours etc - get someone who has known you a long time to help as they will see things in you that you do not.
When done take this to your gp - if need be ask for a double appt to talk about it and go through certain aspects of your medical history that with hind sight could indicate you being on the spectrum
Then take it from there,I am responsible me, myself and I alone I am not the keeper others thoughts and words.0
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