My autism assessment & referral || Talking through my experience

Thank you for this video it was really helpful. I just went to the GP today to have have an initial assessment and I’m now waiting to see if they will refer me . I’m the same as you where I’ve heard so many horror stories of people having horrible experiences with diagnosis and getting in touch with the GP regarding mental health issues in general, it really is a shame. But you’re honestly doing the lords work discussing this topic as there are barely any other videos on it, this helped me get my anxiety down and even brought a couple of tears to my eyes. Not only because of the hope it gave me but also how similar my situation is to yours, being in someone who is a young adult and can outwardly present themselves quite well and has learned to cope with a lot of things growing up.. I also come from a single parent immigrant family and my mum has always been extremely dismissive of this matter. You are also so beautiful and nice to listen to, thank you again as I’m sure you’ve helped many others just like myself with this. Best of luck on your future NHS journeys if it is to continue and best of luck to all of us in this comment section as I’m sure some will be needing it 💓

You described what I call research mode!!!!.... I love research mode 😂😂 and I'm sooooo not a hugger 😂 my list is already convincing me what my outcome is going to be because I didn't know what autism was at all until that GP appointment and every day I learn something new about myself and my past it's like having a constant flow of light bulb moments 😂

REALLY WELL MADE AND INFORMATIVE VIDEO !!! You've got a talent there.... Really wish you all the best x

Hey! Thank you so much for making this video. I've been waiting 9 months so far (scottish NHS). I spend all my spare time preparing. Thanks again!

I had a similar experience of being told I was referred to a waiting list when I actually wasn’t - so 2 1/2 years later I found out from a new gp that I wasn’t on any list… How are they actually allowed to just straight up lie?😅😭

Thank you so much for sharing this. The detailed explanation is really useful. It was a long wait for you - I am glad you got the diagnosis in the end 💗

Sarah we love dont worry and I love watching your videos!! 💜💜

Didn’t realise how lucky I was… living in Australia my wait was almost non existent! I got assessed by my physiatrist straight away 😳 I am SO SORRY you had to wait that long I can’t even imagine!!!

I have my first part of my assessment at 2:30 today but it's over video call as the NHS put me through a private clinic to cut waiting times, I am so incredibly nervous. My mind gets so busy and I get so anxious that when I'm asked questions - my mind goes completely blank. Really hope I don't forget/miss things that help get my points/struggles across. Thank you so much for the video it's putting me at ease <3

Respect to you Sarah 💜

My ASD assessment is coming up this month and next month. I'm nervous. Thank you for this video.🙂

Thank you I'm awaiting an appointment, this is very helpful

Thank you for making this because I'm 51 and after going to my GP already diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression I was asked if I wanted to speak to a mental health professional who had experience of working with autistic people after which I was reffered through my GP and put on the NHS waiting list in may 2023 and I'm guessing because I live in Ashington that I will be eventually having my assessment done at the same place as you did 😊

I went to the Doctors like 10 years ago and they just said anxiety. Even though I hinted at autism. Plucked up the courage 6ish years ago and actually said I think it’s autism. She said sounds like social anxiety plus this area has not autism referrals in your area anyway. I feeling so low and just at a really low place and I don’t don’t see the point in anything. I’m to scared to call up again because as soon as I try to talk I will start crying and go into a meltdown

Thank you for sharing a good experience (other than an insane waiting time!) X

Thank you for making this helpful video. My daughter has her assessment tomorrow and is super anxious about it. Hearing your experience is reassuring. It’s been 18 months waiting and we’ve been in research mode the whole time!

I'm from Northumberland too and have been on the wait list for my ASD assessment for 17 months now. It said a 6 month wait when I was put on, then it stated 12 months in an update letter and now it's been 17. I'm dying to just get it over and done with. Saving this to watch in more detail tomorrow! Thanks for this!

Hi Sarah, I'm Simon and I'm a young looking 58 year old . I got my diagnosis for Autism 11 years ago , and I had a spell of depression from year to year . But as I was having problems at work, a senior manager managed to get me a referral, and a week later I got told I have Autism. But we must remember that people are born with the Autism, but some people think that you can catch Autism WHAT . Anyway Sarah please keep up with your videos on Autism. Can I suggest that you should get a Autism Alert Card from the National Autism Society , they are a life saver . Take Care . Simon x

My daughter has waited for nearly 6 years! Finally has her appointment at the beginning of October. Being a young teenager, I'm not sure if the assessment will be exactly the same experience as yours, but I hope it goes as well as yours did. Thank you for all your info x

Hearing you had a huge wait is a bit disheartening. I was referred for an assessment earlier this year, can't believe the wait's that long. Writing down what you notice isn't the same for everyone's a really good idea, I'm gonna have to do that! Glad you got your diagnosis, I hope you get the support you need.