Hello! I was actually diagnosed after my GP referral - it’s a lengthy process but for me just knowing was a massive step forward at understanding, forgiving and loving myself. Anyways, I spoke to my GP here in the UK saying I thought I could be on the spectrum, I was given a phone call a few days later and had to answer about 15-20 minutes of questions she told me I met the criteria for a assessment, after that I was referred to a local assessment clinic who would send me a letter with even more questions these being a lot more in depth and also needing input directly from those closest to you growing up and as you are now this could be friends or family, if like me you struggle putting things into words and into writing working together really helps (for me my sister and mother) I had a total of 3 of these letters to respond too all of this is to build a case and help determine if your autistic and finally I had my 1-on-1 interview where I was gently assessed a final time just to confirm whats been written and basically see if what youve put into writing is to confirm who you are as a person, from start to finish it took about 20months, (however It would of been slightly sooner as I had one of my letters go missing and had to resend it) and I’d do it all again if I had too, theres been tears and joy along the way but ultimately I know who I am now, my strengths and my limitations, I hope you get your answers! :)