So, I finally decided that I really want an official diagnosis because nobody believes me. I live in the UK, so I went to see a General Practitioner and asked for an assessment. I even told her I would love to get referred to the specialized autism centre which conveniently is very close to where I live. I even contacted that centre a few months ago and they told me they could definately diagnose me if I get a referral, even though I'm over 18. The doctor told me she would write to them and that I would receive a letter from them in a while.
Today I got my letter, but it's not from that centre. It's from a "Learning Disabilities Directorate". Now, first of all, I looked it up on google maps and it's over 2 hours away (by foot). I don't have a car, I don't know anyone who could drive me, and there's no decent subway connection, so I don't even know how to get there. And.. I'm a little confused. Asperger's is not a learning disability. I want a diagnosis from someone who actually has a pretty good grasp on what Asperger's is. I looked up their website and it's all about ADHD and other stuff, autism isn't mentioned once. Can I insist on a new referral to the autism centre? I don't see why this wasn't possible, when even they themselves told me it was no problem. I had the impression that - while the doctor I saw was very friendly and understanding - she didn't know a lot about AS and didn't believe I have it either.