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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

  • Dont know if this will help but I was a gp for 15 years. I have also recently been diagnosed as autistic.

    No excuse but there is widespread ignorance about autism among medical professionals. Being upfront, before my light bulb moment I was prob almost as ignorant. There are over 30,000 diseases and conditions humans get and more being discovered all the time so not a shocker really, esp when you think that professionals even in the neurodevelopmental world are still missing women who mask etc

    However What there is no excuse for is the the fact that he dismissed you. What he should have done is say "I have to honest this is a condition I am unfamiliar with and if it's okay I'll do some reading about it and find out what the best way forward is then get back to you." That's what I would have done,  you have every right to be furious.

    What I would do is see another doctor in the practice, pick one you like avoid the other guy as he clearly doesnt know his limitations. Do the brief AQ before you go and if you have any trouble tell them that the NICE guideline, 

    (Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management

    Clinical guideline [CG142]Published:  Last updated: 

    suggests referral to an autism service if you score more than 6/10 on the short AQ. NICE guidelines are the UK's evidence based guidelines all doctors should aim to follow, so they will know what you're talking about. If you can be bothered read the guideline yourself.

    I'd prob go in gently mind sometimes you catch more flies with honey....

  • in reply to NAS73783

    Would you agree that sometimes the receptionists of a practice will know what specialties the GPs are in to and might be able to direct you to a sympathetic one?

    I have asked this of receptionists before when I moved town and found it to be helpful... 

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