My autism assessment & referral || Talking through my experience

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  • Опубліковано 16 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 91

  • @fl0rence222
    @fl0rence222 Рік тому +11

    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 💓

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому

      I'm so glad you found this helpful, and thank you so much for commenting. I hope your diagnosis goes as smoothly as mine did, hopefully a bit quicker though 😅 Always know you're valid in knowing how you feel and how your brain works, even if others don't see it 🖤

  • @phoebeginger
    @phoebeginger Рік тому +48

    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?😅😭

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +5

      Ah, I'm so sorry, that sucks! I honestly think sometimes its just a mistake from the doctor or from the forms, but that little mistake can impacts peoples lives so much. Hope you got your assessment or have it soon!!

    • @niatheelf
      @niatheelf Рік тому +5

      I'm going to contact my GP again because I'm concerned that my referral didn't go through. I'm hearing a lot of cases of this happening and because my GP was hesitant to refer me because "it wouldn't benefit you as you're no longer at school age", I'm getting worried ^^'

    • @ew4243
      @ew4243 7 місяців тому +1

      Normally you get a letter confirming you're on the waiting list. If you don't get any letter then you need to call and check. I waited 8 months thinking I was on the list but ended up calling to double check. Had another little chat with my GP and she said she was referring me. I got the confirmation about 1 month later. Now waiting...

  • @ErebosPlayer
    @ErebosPlayer 3 місяці тому +3

    For everyone who wants referrals you can get an NHS referral but ALSO using "right to choose" you can get a referral to a private place and your GP send both off. The NHS one i got sent and private was sent same time. The NHS quote i got waa 4 years waiting. Clinical partners which is who i used my right to choose for an additional referral said 9 months. You can even call the pvt place like i did to check if the referral was accepted.

  • @Kee-Lo
    @Kee-Lo 2 місяці тому

    This is the best video on NHS autism assessments- clear and concise, we know what to expect in a way. A lot of similar videos haven't. Thank you for this!

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  2 місяці тому +1

      i really appreciate that, thank you so much! 🖤

  • @myhoose90
    @myhoose90 Рік тому +5

    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 😂

  • @toni5543
    @toni5543 Рік тому +3

    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!

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +1

      It's no problem, I hope you found it useful! Best of luck with your waiting time and assessment 🖤

  • @Hannahhjiue
    @Hannahhjiue Рік тому +13

    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!!!

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +4

      I love hearing you got through quick though! Hope it all went well for you!

    • @HarrisonsGX
      @HarrisonsGX Рік тому +7

      The NHS in the UK is being systematically under-resourced so that it under performs and the right-wing government can justify bringing in more and more private sector involvement (and thus, rewarding their donors).

    • @Rawfishfish
      @Rawfishfish 2 місяці тому +2

      I’m about to get assessed and I can completely agree ( I am a minor so it is a bit easier) the psychiatrist seem to be so much more informed on neurodivergence for me (my psychiatrist also had adhd and autism so that also made it easier) and we just had to book a paediatrician though it was expensive and ask them to do a screening, I’m just about to get my offical diagnosis

  • @izzyyh5
    @izzyyh5 27 днів тому +1

    Thank you so so much for this! I was referred through right to choose 3 days ago, and the waiting list is *theoretically* a maximum of 3 months but we'll see hahah

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  24 дні тому +1

      hahaha, best of luck with it!! 🖤

    • @izzyyh5
      @izzyyh5 24 дні тому

      @@sarahlwalden thank you sm!🫶🏻

  • @vanishingpoint2658
    @vanishingpoint2658 Рік тому +8

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

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +2

      So glad it helped and I wish you the best of luck with it, I hope it goes as well as mine did 🖤🖤

    • @ellaaa.jane1
      @ellaaa.jane1 Рік тому +1

      i have mine next month! i am so scared

    • @vanishingpoint2658
      @vanishingpoint2658 Рік тому +2

      @@ellaaa.jane1 I was very nervous, too, but the assessors were both very understanding and patient, and I got my ASD diagnosis, so it was all worth it in the end. Good luck, let us know how you do.🙂

    • @HolyNewBendy
      @HolyNewBendy Рік тому +1

      ​@@vanishingpoint2658did you get it through the post or got told on the day?

  • @fleurs2725
    @fleurs2725 2 роки тому +4

    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 💗

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  2 роки тому

      I'm so glad you found it useful, thank you so much for commenting 🖤

  • @peachpittt
    @peachpittt Рік тому +2

    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

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +1

      I hope it went well!! So glad the video helped 🖤

  • @UnderToWonder
    @UnderToWonder Рік тому +3

    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!

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +1

      Yeah, it's such a long time, so sorry its taking so long for you as well! I hope you get the same lady as I did because she was honestly just so lovely

    • @UnderToWonder
      @UnderToWonder Рік тому

      @@sarahlwalden Well that is encouraging! I'm really worried I get someone who will interrogate me and try their hardest to oppose all of my points.

    • @UnderToWonder
      @UnderToWonder Рік тому

      I've come back to watch this again as my appointment is this month! I'm shitting myself haha, but how you explained St George's was brilliant! Thank you!

    • @cuca_
      @cuca_ 2 місяці тому

      @@UnderToWonderhow did your appointment go??

    • @GenG123456789
      @GenG123456789 Місяць тому +1

      In Scotland they tell you it’s a 2-3 year waiting list but, I’ve been told by people actually on the waiting list, that it’s actually more like 6 years! And the waiting time is only increasing! The amount of referrals is increasing and the government is actually removing funding from this area of the NHS which means there aren’t enough staff members to get through all the referrals…

  • @Bookmonkey
    @Bookmonkey 2 роки тому +3

    Respect to you Sarah 💜

  • @myhoose90
    @myhoose90 Рік тому +1

    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 😊

  • @ohmrbumble
    @ohmrbumble Рік тому +2

    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

    • @yazzzz_zz
      @yazzzz_zz 6 місяців тому +1

      Has your daughter been tested yet? If so how is the process. I’m also a young teen and waiting for an assessment.

  • @beckidraven226
    @beckidraven226 Рік тому +7

    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

    • @robbb6
      @robbb6 Рік тому +2

      Please don't give up!
      (Hope this helps).
      I went through that too. I repeatedly brought it up to my former therapist for 5 months and got ZERO referral. So I googled different Autism Dr.'s near me and just started calling places myself. SMH. Until one place called me back and now I'm finally one step away from getting my diagnosis...So basically I had to become Sherlock Holmes and refer myself. 🫠😮‍💨

  • @kierankelly6319
    @kierankelly6319 Рік тому

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

  • @MistySie
    @MistySie 4 місяці тому

    My assessment is in 2 weeks. I've been going through this process for a little over a year now using self pay cuz the American healthcare system isn't great and I didn't want to wait another 3 years since that's how long I already suspected I'm autistic. I just didn't have the resources to proceed in getting a diagnosis. I'm definitely feeling really anxious but hopefully I provided enough information for my assessment to go as smoothly as yours. 🤞

  • @simoncarter6281
    @simoncarter6281 8 місяців тому

    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

  • @ChrisJakins
    @ChrisJakins Рік тому

    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!

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому

      I'm so glad you found it helpful, I hope her assessment went well!

    • @ChrisJakins
      @ChrisJakins Рік тому

      Thanks. It was ok. She found it odd but not upsetting. We as parents found it frustrating as we still have no diagnosis and they refused to comment on how long it would take for them to collate their information. I guess we are kind of getting used to the epic timescales of these services.

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +1

      @ChrisJakins aw, I’m so sorry. I know they like to have multiple assessors make the assessments usually, so perhaps they’re not sure when the next appointment will be. I’m glad your daughter didn’t find it upsetting

    • @ChrisJakins
      @ChrisJakins 11 місяців тому

      Just an update. We got her diagnosis today. ASD as we expected. Such a relief that we got there. Diagnosis is a privilege especially in the UK with the lack of resources across the nhs. We are all ok and ready to move forward.

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  10 місяців тому +1

      @@ChrisJakins That's great, congratulations to your daughter! I hope things are smooth for you and your family and the diagnosis helps you all. Thank you so much for updating me! 🖤

  • @AmandaRussell-g3c
    @AmandaRussell-g3c 2 місяці тому

    I walked into my screening appointment and told the physhiatric nurse straight away that a lot of my family have been diagnosed. She asked who and i said son, brother, cousins, uncle, nephews and she ok thats enough for a referral and that was before we even started the screening of which i scored 40. Awaiting an appointment. She said 18 months

  • @jackharrington697
    @jackharrington697 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @abbiehinesman8872
    @abbiehinesman8872 11 місяців тому

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

  • @Ronnietheboypickering
    @Ronnietheboypickering 11 місяців тому +2

    What did you score on the AQ 50?

  • @GerryJr-ni2et
    @GerryJr-ni2et 3 місяці тому

    You're not alone Sarah cause I'm autistic too

  • @elierry
    @elierry 7 місяців тому

    What should I say to my hairdresser if I want colour like this one? I would need to bleach, and pink-shades with yellow.

  • @froggygreen8263
    @froggygreen8263 23 дні тому

    I'm in the process of getting an assessment and I've been writing down a list of symptoms that I show but it is PAGES long but I still have so much more to say T.T

  • @Jaimi-Love
    @Jaimi-Love Місяць тому +1

    I have tried 2 therpist so far. They refused to listen to me. In the US we pay a lot for medical care. So I'll have to keep losing money until they listen to me. I'm tired.

  • @BrokenPixle
    @BrokenPixle 2 роки тому

    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.

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  2 роки тому

      I think mine went on for so long because of the many complications I had, but hopefully, if you have no complications it should only be 1-2 years for you! I'm glad there was something useful in here for you! 🖤

  • @_m0s5_66
    @_m0s5_66 Рік тому +2

    I’m having an assessment for autism and it’s in 4-5 months 👍

  • @salahelhaddad4872
    @salahelhaddad4872 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing this, may i ask please what happens after someone is diagnosed with ASD?
    Like for example if depression or psychosis you take an anti depressant or medication
    But for ASD what happens after diagnosis ?

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  6 місяців тому +1

      Nothing happens in regards to healthcare, there is no 'treatment' for Autism and the NHS doesn't provide counselling or anything like that

  • @andyhammond5649
    @andyhammond5649 Рік тому +2

    I was diagnosed with ADHD 2 years ago. Since taking concerta my ADHD symptoms have significantly subsided. However, I have noticed more asd symptoms which had led to me being assessed for asd. Has anyone else experienced anything similar to mine?
    Thanks for the video. You also sound like you live near me in Durham haha

    • @sarahlou5777
      @sarahlou5777 Рік тому

      I’m 34 recently diagnosed with adhd been on meds for 4 months and noticed the same I’m now waiting for autism assesment they said they have put me to the top of the list so hopefully won’t have to wait so long! A lot of things I never noticed before but have always been there x

    • @strictnonconformist7369
      @strictnonconformist7369 11 місяців тому

      Went through ADHD drug trialing, and once a therapeutic level dosage was found (seems likely am overdose) the funny observation is it emphasized my autistic inertia to the point where it woke me out of a drug-aided sleep to go back to work on my task.
      So, there’s a fun data point for you 😂😂😂

  • @Coastsandcoasters
    @Coastsandcoasters 8 місяців тому +1

    Hi. Not sure if you will see this. I’m 44 and after going through referral and screening tests, I’ve been accepted for an assessment. The wait is three years. I’m not here to moan about that fact, I am a psychology degree student and I’m all too aware of the shortcomings in the UK health service, my point, or question, or experience is that I don’t feel better for getting this far…I don’t feel accepted or part of the autistic community. I suppose I’m asking what can you do if you can’t accept yourself as autistic? (The reasons being plentiful but mainly based on years of rejection and internal/external negativity).

  • @Sdween
    @Sdween Рік тому +1

    Things sort of collapsed for me in 2019 when I was in Uni and I withdrew based on my health complications. I was referred to the adult autism referral under the NHS services, firstly the letter said it is a 12 month wait, the second letter apologised and said the wait is 24+ months, it is now 4 years later and I have still not heard anything…

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +5

      Yeah, it is a ridiculous wait at the moment, there's just not enough money going into the NHS. Definitely chase them up though, email the email that's on your letter and ask for an update, keep putting pressure on them. Hope you hear from them soon 🖤

    • @Sdween
      @Sdween Рік тому

      @@sarahlwalden Thanks for taking time to get back. That’s what I thought but wasn’t sure if other people are also waiting this long or maybe my file went “missing” somehow. I had also been waiting dor an ultrasound referral which never came, after 11 months I asked my gp about it and their response was:”Oh have you not been seen yet?” Which then followed months of waiting and ultrasounds and research, they had found two large cysts in my ovaries and for a moment thought it was cancer… it’s been a lot to chase up different things. And meanwhile being treated as if “I’m after something” while what I’ve wanted is checks on my health to determine what is going on exactly. At least there is now clarity about the cysts. Back to autism and adhd health management.

  • @milliem9141
    @milliem9141 4 місяці тому

    Your assessment sounds so similar to mine :)

  • @LaliaX99
    @LaliaX99 2 роки тому +1

    I've just had a letter refusing my referral for Autism Testing or whatever BANDS is, the letter is confusing me.. I've had refused to Even being referred as I was under the community mental health team who now Im discharged from 🤣 I've been diagnosed with BPD by a psychiatrist called Dr.Aziz who has a very short brain, clearly can't see what's my actual diagnosis and CBA actually working out what is going on.. my mum think I'm autistic - PDA Autism, and Schizophrenia as most of the time apparently I'm in fairy land, and always have been "Natasha Land" my birth name , as I talk to the things that aren't there - when I was little I used to have convosations with radiator, smoke alarms and other things, also I have smoke alarms & fans, filters in swimming pools and will not go near them!! Also my mum says I've had one certain "stim" which has always stayed, twiddling .y fingers Infront of my face with my hair (when I actually had long hair, now I do with hoodie tie things) and go cross-eyed .. can do that for a while like 15mins straight without stopping .. I've always in nursery/school reports being notied at shy, quiet.. socially withdrawn. And werid querks, and have obsessive things I like: like reading map books/geography, Tracy Beaker- actually thinking I was the characters..

  • @vanishingpoint2658
    @vanishingpoint2658 Рік тому +1

    Why is it that there are, currently, 1096 views on this video, and yet only 54 likes?!?! How taxing can it be to tap or click a thumbs-up icon?! Come on, people, don't be so bloody unresponsive.

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому

      Hahahaha, thank you!! I really appreciate the engagement you've gave 🖤

  • @ew4243
    @ew4243 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing.

  • @jerksmerk42
    @jerksmerk42 9 місяців тому

    What is a gp

  • @jerksmerk42
    @jerksmerk42 9 місяців тому

    Doctor referral ok

  • @chloewelding6761
    @chloewelding6761 Рік тому

    What do you didn’t have to do the story telling and Mike?

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому

      I'm so sorry, I'm not sure what you mean!

  • @The_Vanished
    @The_Vanished Рік тому +1

    Hello, befin using external regulation of emotion until its internalised. You will refain normal neurotransmitter levels. Fix fhd srimulation problems. Do the work and he autistic will gain any practice until internalized! You are alrady perfect, you beautiful, you are able to gain facial composure and be able fo use normal expressions. You hace to practice!

  • @Lady_Tism
    @Lady_Tism Рік тому +4

    I don’t mean to be rude or mean but I couldn’t finish watching because your hands clapping so much was overstimulating my brain 😢

  • @elijahroperelijahtarzan3302
    @elijahroperelijahtarzan3302 2 роки тому +1

    I'm on spetcrum waiting for 3 months for my autism assessment my gp have already referral to my GP now I have to go to autism hub while wait for autism assessment I have speech problems waiting for learning disability team to contact me when they found place to do my assessment also if I'm on the waiting list I have mental health problems mental illness I was autism the hold time my mum said but she has passed away last year on new years eve she has more information but my sister does my dad have to do autism assessment with me I have my speech and language skills my speech is unclear

    • @sarahlwalden
      @sarahlwalden  Рік тому +1

      I'm sorry for your loss. I hope your assessment comes soon!