Assessment
No Success Seeking Assessment for my Autism and ADHD.
I’ve been working on putting together the “big pictures” for myself and a few others medically, and in the process of doing so it occurred to me that even though I definitely exhibit traits from both, I’ve never been formally diagnosed.
Also, in researching I discovered that people with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome are more likely to be autistic. I was also thinking that there might be treatment options that could help me navigate my ADHD.
BARRIERS
I decided to ask my Dr. if I could be assessed. I went to my appointment, and had a different doctor that was new to the clinic.
She was clearly overwhelmed trying to catch up on my situation, and very little progress took place.
I asked for the ADHD and Autism assessments, and she asked me if I wanted a formal diagnosis, or just counseling. I reiterated that I want formal assessment and diagnosis if appropriate. She told me to bring it up at my next visit, and gave me the impression that Dr. Handjob would be able to perform the assessment.
So I sat on it, and waited for my next visit with Dr. Handjob, who was then happy to give me a referral to our local mental health group- SummitStone.
After several weeks, SummitStone contacted me by phone to set up a time for my telehealth Screening Appointment about a week later. I reiterated that I was seeking a formal assessment and diagnosis for Autism and ADHD.
I passed the screening, which was mostly just to ask if I was seeking court ordered services, and they scheduled my telehealth Intake Appointment. I reiterated that I was seeking a formal assessment and diagnosis for Autism and ADHD at the beginning of the Intake Appointment. I reiterated that I was seeking a formal assessment and diagnosis for Autism and ADHD twice more during the Intake Appointment.
After about 15 minutes, the person on the other end of the phone let me know that there is nobody within SummitStone who can do any assessments. They explained that if I get on the therapy waitlist, my therapist can make a clinical recommendation that I exhibit Autistic and ADHD characteristics.
I brought this back to Dr. Handjob. I also brought it up with another PCP at the clinic who oversees my chronic pain group. They were both flabbergasted.
I heard that UCHealth might have a psychiatrist. I also heard that Life Stance can diagnose.
I’ll keep you posted. Thank gawd for hyperfixation.
A few years I wrote this piece about discovering myself in my Autism. It relates now as much as it ever did.
Feedback is always welcome. Please reach out to me at ProtyusAGendher@gmail.com
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