08-24-2006, 02:04 PM
Yesterday I finally got my diagnostic assessment for AS from a practitioner on the NAS list.
This was done on the National Health via the psychologist at a Community Mental Health Centre.
The practitioner told me I had Asperger's Syndrome after 10 minutes. I asked how that conclusion had been arrived at and it was explained to me. The practitioner had case notes, past history and the test I completed at the Centre. I also brought my own notes and other non mental health medical information that I thought would be relevant.
The appointment lasted about an hour and involved my partner at the end for 10 minutes. I am to go back in 2 weeks and will get a written report.
Getting a diagnostic assessment has been very difficult. I have had to deal with mental health workers who knew very little about AS, who had no clear cut referral procedure to follow, at a Centre where the turnover of staff was high and the tradition of prescribing industrial strength medication was the norm.
However, I don't want this to be a horror story to put off other people who are trying to get a diagnostic assessment as an adult on the National Health (especially women). It is difficult but it can be done.
I am also not anti-medication. I am against rushed prescriptions by locum practitioners who have no knowledge of AS, don't read your notes correctly and think that medication is the only option.
I have taken medication in the past. I am not taking any medication at the moment. I do not rule out taking medication in the future.
Just thought I would share this info.
This was done on the National Health via the psychologist at a Community Mental Health Centre.
The practitioner told me I had Asperger's Syndrome after 10 minutes. I asked how that conclusion had been arrived at and it was explained to me. The practitioner had case notes, past history and the test I completed at the Centre. I also brought my own notes and other non mental health medical information that I thought would be relevant.
The appointment lasted about an hour and involved my partner at the end for 10 minutes. I am to go back in 2 weeks and will get a written report.
Getting a diagnostic assessment has been very difficult. I have had to deal with mental health workers who knew very little about AS, who had no clear cut referral procedure to follow, at a Centre where the turnover of staff was high and the tradition of prescribing industrial strength medication was the norm.
However, I don't want this to be a horror story to put off other people who are trying to get a diagnostic assessment as an adult on the National Health (especially women). It is difficult but it can be done.
I am also not anti-medication. I am against rushed prescriptions by locum practitioners who have no knowledge of AS, don't read your notes correctly and think that medication is the only option.
I have taken medication in the past. I am not taking any medication at the moment. I do not rule out taking medication in the future.
Just thought I would share this info.