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GP letter??

StonePet

Hiya, 

I just talked to my GP about possible autism, and he asked me to write a letter detailing my weaknesses and why I think I need a diagnosis so he can make a stronger case to the assessment team as I am 18 and very little concern has been raised about me before (although I am female and probably just masking), and said I can just go on through life without a diagnosis and still get accommodations in school and later uni (which is something I said I was heavily struggling with). 

Is this a normal request? I am scared that my weaknesses won't be weak enough, if you know what I mean. And if so, what sort of things should I include? I feel like all my weaknesses just amalgamate enough to be one big weakness rather than one single overwhelming one.

Thanks. 

  • It’s a way of the GP shortening the consultation time and getting you to write something he can just get scanned and use for any referral letter, which may or may not be rejected. Saves the Gp lots of time all round

  • StonePet said:

    I just talked to my GP about possible autism, and he asked me to write a letter detailing my weaknesses and why I think I need a diagnosis so he can make a stronger case to the assessment team as I am 18 and very little concern has been raised about me before (although I am female and probably just masking), and said I can just go on through life without a diagnosis and still get accommodations in school and later uni (which is something I said I was heavily struggling with). 

    Is this a normal request?

    It is a normal request, yes ~ so much so that it is recommended in the National Autistic Society's information pack on getting diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

    You can order the information pack by phoning 0808 800 4104, and leaving your name and address on their voicemail. The pack normally takes a couple of weeks to arrive. 

    I sent my explanatory letter and request for an Asperger's Syndrome assessment to my GP before I even addressed the issue verbally with them ~ I included a completed copy of the 'AQ50 Test' with a conservative score of 41 out of 50, 'The sensory world of autism' (covering my hyposensitivities and hypersensitivities) and 'Diagnosis: the process for adults' (so as to make sure I was not dismissed as not having autism due to not appearing overtly autistic due to social camouflaging and personal masking).

  • I've written a document with all my suspected autistic traits on it and this article helped me know what to include https://embraceasd.com/how-do-i-know-if-im-autistic/ it explains the DSM-5 criteria in an easy way to understand. Hope you can find it helpful :]

  • You're right of course about being harder to diagnose in females - it's why your gp needs a bit more to go on for a referral.

    What problems do you have that lead to the autism conclusion? 

    Have you looked at any on-line autism resources?

    What sort of symptoms do you line up with your life?