Seeking an autism diagnosis in New Zealand can be a crucial step for individuals who suspect they may be on the autism spectrum. Navigating the pathway to diagnosis, however, requires understanding the available options, both publicly funded and private. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how to pursue an autism diagnosis in New Zealand, ensuring you are well-informed about the process.
Initiating the Diagnostic Journey: Starting with Your General Practitioner (GP)
The first point of contact for accessing a publicly funded autism assessment is typically your General Practitioner (GP). Booking an appointment with your GP is essential to request a referral for assessment. If you are already under the care of a specialist for other health concerns, it may also be beneficial to discuss your autism concerns with them initially.
It’s advantageous if your GP has some understanding of autism spectrum disorder. To aid your discussion, consider bringing along resources like the result of an online autism screening test or the “Does this person have autism” quick card provided by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. This quick card can be a valuable tool in highlighting the characteristics you recognize in yourself. Familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of autism detailed on the Autism New Zealand website can also be beneficial in preparing for your GP appointment.
Publicly Funded Autism Assessments: Navigating the Challenges
The New Zealand Autism Guideline advocates for publicly funded specialist diagnostic assessments to be accessible to everyone who may have autism. Unfortunately, the reality is that publicly funded assessments for adults are not readily available in all cases. Accessing these services can be particularly challenging for adults, and referrals are not always accepted.
In some instances, referrals to publicly funded services are prioritized for adults who also have an intellectual disability or a co-occurring mental health condition. Occasionally, a referral might be accepted even without these additional conditions, but this is less common.
Despite these hurdles, GPs can still submit referrals to the local Adult Mental Health Service. While autism is not classified as a mental health condition, professionals such as Psychologists and Psychiatrists working within these services are qualified to diagnose autism. However, it’s important to be aware that Adult Mental Health Services often have a high threshold for diagnosis and subsequent support for autism. Consequently, many adults find that pursuing a diagnosis through private, unfunded services becomes their only viable option for timely assessment.
Exploring Private Autism Assessment Pathways
If a referral to publicly funded services is declined, your GP may be able to provide a referral to a Psychologist or Psychiatrist experienced in autism diagnosis who practices privately. Another valuable resource is the Community Links page on the Autism New Zealand website. This page lists private diagnosticians in various regions of New Zealand, allowing you to directly find professionals in your area.
The “Does this person have autism” quick card, initially mentioned for GP discussions, is also available in multiple languages, including Maori, Cook Island Maori, Samoan, and Tongan. This ensures accessibility and inclusivity for diverse communities within New Zealand seeking information about autism.
In conclusion, obtaining an autism diagnosis in New Zealand can involve navigating both public and private healthcare systems. While publicly funded pathways exist, they can be challenging to access for adults without co-occurring conditions. Private assessments offer an alternative, albeit at a cost. Understanding these pathways and available resources is key to effectively pursuing an autism diagnosis in New Zealand.
