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Apparently I cannot possibly have Autism because...

Entropy

Hi everyone!

My partner recently pointed out to me that I show a lot of autistic traits so I've been doing a lot of reading about the signs and symptoms and it really does sound like me. I've read so many stories and forums and it all sounds very familiar and I really feel like I can relate. I actually started to feel a bit better and like I understood myself more. I wasn't just "weird" but there could be an actual diagnosis and lots of other people out there like me! However, I wasn't happy to just self-diagnose so I booked a doctor's appointment to request a referral to a specialist... but according to this person there is no chance that I have Autism. 

Apparently someone with Autism:

- Would not be able to graduate from university

- Would not be able to have a job

- Would have speech delays and not be able to talk like a regular person

- Would not be able to be in a relationship

- Would need to live with parents or require a social worker to cope

Apparently, most of what is on the internet is wrong and I'm just seeing these autistic traits because I read about it...

I don't want to start listing all my traits in this post, whether or not I have ASD is a separate topic. I definitely don't think I explained myself well during the phone call (anxiety, brain fog, confusing questions), but I also feel like he just ignored a lot of what I said. Has anyone else had a similar interaction with their GP? I am a little surprised that a doctor could be so narrow-minded and dismissive.  

I don't know where to go from here. I feel really disheartened. 

Parents

  • 1. All of those 'refutations' are total rubbish

    2. I would suggest changing your GP straight away.

    I would suggest writing a list of your traits and, importantly, how they are affecting your day to day life.

    Do you have an idea of what tangible benefits you might get from a diagnosis?

    There could well be a huge waiting list to get an assessment on the NHS - my self referral cost me £1300.

Reply

  • 1. All of those 'refutations' are total rubbish

    2. I would suggest changing your GP straight away.

    I would suggest writing a list of your traits and, importantly, how they are affecting your day to day life.

    Do you have an idea of what tangible benefits you might get from a diagnosis?

    There could well be a huge waiting list to get an assessment on the NHS - my self referral cost me £1300.

Children
  • in reply to JJ

    I completely agree. Unfortunately it was a doctor I have never spoken to before, so I could maybe go back and ask to speak with one that I know better. I had written some points down beforehand, but most of what I said got disregarded. Perhaps if I am able to get an in-person appointment in the future I could prepare a better list of traits and how they affect me so that I can give it to them on the day rather than relying on being able to explain myself in the moment? 

    I think for me personally it is more about knowing that there is a reason (maybe not the word I'm looking for?) for my feelings and gaining an understanding of myself? Just thinking that I could be autistic made me feel a bit less pressure to force myself to act like everyone else and that I might be allowed to be the way that I am and not have to make myself feel uncomfortable to fit in with how other people behave. I know that an official diagnosis is not necessary but I think it would help, especially as I am hoping to go back to university and I might be able to access additional support. 

    I am currently being assessed at the local ADHD service and asked them about their autism service. She said that I have to get a referral from my GP but that the waiting list for that is less than for ADHD (I've currently been waiting about 2.5 years for that one!). I can't afford to go private right now so I'll have to keep trying other avenues if I want a diagnosis.