"Glasgow Adult Autism Team"

I was assessed by the Glasgow Adult Autism Team initially in February, by way of a questionnaire that was given to my mum to fill out about my development and behaviour in early childhood. I was then notified by post that my questionnaire had been reviewed by a specialist, and that based on that review, there was no evidence of an Autism Spectrum Condition. 

The letter noted that I did have the option of making a follow-up appointment if I wanted them to explain the reasoning behind that decision, which I did, and I had a telephone appointment with Anne-Marie today.

I found the appointment very helpful - Anne-Marie treated me with respect and compassion, and she explained the diagnostic criteria for autism and the methods behind the early developmental questionnaire, and gave me a clear and detailed explanation of why I didn't fit the criteria for autism despite having appeared to on the surface (ie my score on the AQ10). She also asked follow-up questions about my childhood and my wider mental health history to assist in providing this explanation. Anne-Marie's explanation has helped me pinpoint some possible underlying reasons behind the issues that had led to my referral to the Adult Autism Team, and she also suggested some next steps that she thought could benefit me.

All in all, I'm glad that I made the appointment, as I feel like it has helped me to understand the intricacies of my mental health that bit better. I would recommend that other patients take the option of the follow-up appointment, as I think that it can offer a lot of insight.