Do I have ASD?
I have suspected that I have ASD in some form for a few years now, I constantly researched it and was convinced that I matched the description - but I've always worried that if I told anyone that they'd shut me down or dismiss it. I genuinely believe I have ASD or possibly an anxiety disorder. I am about to turn 18 and am not sure what steps to take to get an assessment. Is there anyone here who's had a similar experience or has been through the diagnosis process?
I've not had a similar experience to you, but I think you should go see your GP and since you're almost 18 you can book an appointment and get treated without you're parents or anyone else knowing (if you're worried about that). The GP can asses you and give a suggested diagnosis (ASD, an anxiety disorder or something else) then refer you to get specialist help, in the mean time prescribing you with some medication if you'd like. Either way the best thing for you to do is get some help from someone who knows what their doing - far better than anyone on TSR. Message me on here if you want to speak more about this.
Original post by Anonymous
I have suspected that I have ASD in some form for a few years now, I constantly researched it and was convinced that I matched the description - but I've always worried that if I told anyone that they'd shut me down or dismiss it. I genuinely believe I have ASD or possibly an anxiety disorder. I am about to turn 18 and am not sure what steps to take to get an assessment. Is there anyone here who's had a similar experience or has been through the diagnosis process?
Thanks for the advice, guess it's ironic that I'm afraid to go to the GP for an anxiety issue aha. Will message if I feel the need to
Original post by sambridge
I've not had a similar experience to you, but I think you should go see your GP and since you're almost 18 you can book an appointment and get treated without you're parents or anyone else knowing (if you're worried about that). The GP can asses you and give a suggested diagnosis (ASD, an anxiety disorder or something else) then refer you to get specialist help, in the mean time prescribing you with some medication if you'd like. Either way the best thing for you to do is get some help from someone who knows what their doing - far better than anyone on TSR. Message me on here if you want to speak more about this.
Unfortunately getting tested for ASD is really difficult. I recommend seeing someone before you turn 18, you will be a higher priority since you'll likely be going onto higher education.
I recommend taking the autism quotient test
It's pretty much the same one they gave me (i had the screening test in late may, getting tested fully this year hopefully), though I have not had a good time trying to get assessed. CAMHs were useless (always are), Dr had no authority to request a referal. I ended up getting a test by pure luck, I told my gender psychiatrist (i have dysphoria) that I was concerned about this, and said my results on the autism quotient are 38-41 usually. and he talked to his psychiatrist colleague who got me an appointment in august, on condition I score high enough of the screening test. I got 41/50, like I said i would
Prepare to be ignored or fobbed off. It's very frustrating and upsetting, especially if you're an anxious person, but you gotta stand ur ground and look out for #1 (you.). That's just the state of mental healthcare here. Luckily the psychiatrists are good, it's the middle men (CAMHs or doctors who act like arm chair psychiatrists, who say 'oh you dont have autism, it's just _.'. They have 0 authority to diagnose or dismiss the possibility of one.), that can be irritating. PLEASE try get tested anyway, if you do have ASD you need to know. Try to rally some allies. Don't be beat down if you dont get far your first time! In the mean time, check out resources like subreddits, facebook groups, videos.
I recommend taking the autism quotient test
It's pretty much the same one they gave me (i had the screening test in late may, getting tested fully this year hopefully), though I have not had a good time trying to get assessed. CAMHs were useless (always are), Dr had no authority to request a referal. I ended up getting a test by pure luck, I told my gender psychiatrist (i have dysphoria) that I was concerned about this, and said my results on the autism quotient are 38-41 usually. and he talked to his psychiatrist colleague who got me an appointment in august, on condition I score high enough of the screening test. I got 41/50, like I said i would
Prepare to be ignored or fobbed off. It's very frustrating and upsetting, especially if you're an anxious person, but you gotta stand ur ground and look out for #1 (you.). That's just the state of mental healthcare here. Luckily the psychiatrists are good, it's the middle men (CAMHs or doctors who act like arm chair psychiatrists, who say 'oh you dont have autism, it's just _.'. They have 0 authority to diagnose or dismiss the possibility of one.), that can be irritating. PLEASE try get tested anyway, if you do have ASD you need to know. Try to rally some allies. Don't be beat down if you dont get far your first time! In the mean time, check out resources like subreddits, facebook groups, videos.
Original post by Anonymous
Thanks for the advice, guess it's ironic that I'm afraid to go to the GP for an anxiety issue aha. Will message if I feel the need to
Extremely common
The way I see anxiety for a lot of people is that they lack self confidence and are still quite sensitive because a lot of people are led to believe that if something isn't right they should complain about it. I also believe this because I doubt most teenagers actually have a serious illness.
Original post by Anonymous
I have suspected that I have ASD in some form for a few years now, I constantly researched it and was convinced that I matched the description - but I've always worried that if I told anyone that they'd shut me down or dismiss it. I genuinely believe I have ASD or possibly an anxiety disorder. I am about to turn 18 and am not sure what steps to take to get an assessment. Is there anyone here who's had a similar experience or has been through the diagnosis process?
This is so so helpful, thank you!! I hope you can reach a smooth end to the whole process soon.
I assumed it would be better to wait till after I turn 18 to avoid any unnecessary involvement with CAMHS, it seems like I'd be right to do so since I'm not going into higher education yet either. I'll have to do my best to stand up for myself even if I'm terrified the whole way through.
What does the screening test entail?
I assumed it would be better to wait till after I turn 18 to avoid any unnecessary involvement with CAMHS, it seems like I'd be right to do so since I'm not going into higher education yet either. I'll have to do my best to stand up for myself even if I'm terrified the whole way through.
What does the screening test entail?
Original post by Satanks
Unfortunately getting tested for ASD is really difficult. I recommend seeing someone before you turn 18, you will be a higher priority since you'll likely be going onto higher education.
I recommend taking the autism quotient test
It's pretty much the same one they gave me (i had the screening test in late may, getting tested fully this year hopefully), though I have not had a good time trying to get assessed. CAMHs were useless (always are), Dr had no authority to request a referal. I ended up getting a test by pure luck, I told my gender psychiatrist (i have dysphoria) that I was concerned about this, and said my results on the autism quotient are 38-41 usually. and he talked to his psychiatrist colleague who got me an appointment in august, on condition I score high enough of the screening test. I got 41/50, like I said i would
Prepare to be ignored or fobbed off. It's very frustrating and upsetting, especially if you're an anxious person, but you gotta stand ur ground and look out for #1 (you.). That's just the state of mental healthcare here. Luckily the psychiatrists are good, it's the middle men (CAMHs or doctors who act like arm chair psychiatrists, who say 'oh you dont have autism, it's just _.'. They have 0 authority to diagnose or dismiss the possibility of one.), that can be irritating. PLEASE try get tested anyway, if you do have ASD you need to know. Try to rally some allies. Don't be beat down if you dont get far your first time! In the mean time, check out resources like subreddits, facebook groups, videos.
I recommend taking the autism quotient test
It's pretty much the same one they gave me (i had the screening test in late may, getting tested fully this year hopefully), though I have not had a good time trying to get assessed. CAMHs were useless (always are), Dr had no authority to request a referal. I ended up getting a test by pure luck, I told my gender psychiatrist (i have dysphoria) that I was concerned about this, and said my results on the autism quotient are 38-41 usually. and he talked to his psychiatrist colleague who got me an appointment in august, on condition I score high enough of the screening test. I got 41/50, like I said i would
Prepare to be ignored or fobbed off. It's very frustrating and upsetting, especially if you're an anxious person, but you gotta stand ur ground and look out for #1 (you.). That's just the state of mental healthcare here. Luckily the psychiatrists are good, it's the middle men (CAMHs or doctors who act like arm chair psychiatrists, who say 'oh you dont have autism, it's just _.'. They have 0 authority to diagnose or dismiss the possibility of one.), that can be irritating. PLEASE try get tested anyway, if you do have ASD you need to know. Try to rally some allies. Don't be beat down if you dont get far your first time! In the mean time, check out resources like subreddits, facebook groups, videos.
Original post by Anonymous
This is so so helpful, thank you!! I hope you can reach a smooth end to the whole process soon.
I assumed it would be better to wait till after I turn 18 to avoid any unnecessary involvement with CAMHS, it seems like I'd be right to do so since I'm not going into higher education yet either. I'll have to do my best to stand up for myself even if I'm terrified the whole way through.
What does the screening test entail?
I assumed it would be better to wait till after I turn 18 to avoid any unnecessary involvement with CAMHS, it seems like I'd be right to do so since I'm not going into higher education yet either. I'll have to do my best to stand up for myself even if I'm terrified the whole way through.
What does the screening test entail?
The screening test is just the autism quotient. That is all. They give you that to get you an appointment. I suggest getting involved with CAMHS and letting them know, at least then its on record and if CAMHS doesnt work you might have an easier time somewhere else. I was supposed to be tested early this month but its now delayed until october. I will also say the test for autism is different for under 18s, but I still suggest contacting CAMHS.
