Apparently I cannot possibly have Autism because...

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
  • I had a similar experience as you with the gp, saying he didn't think it was Autism .

    But that could be because of the lack of being able to explain my thoughts and feeling face to face .

    So what I did was , I took a test online ,then I printed off the whole thing .

    I then wrote a letter explaining why I think I have ASD .

    I went back to the doctors showed them the above and I got a referral .

    I also didn't have any support from my parents during the assessment because they were indenial .

    I now have a diagnosis and I feel much better in myself , now that I understand I'm not just weird and I don't have to force myself to socialise.

    So don't give up.

    I hope it all works out for you 

Reply
  • I had a similar experience as you with the gp, saying he didn't think it was Autism .

    But that could be because of the lack of being able to explain my thoughts and feeling face to face .

    So what I did was , I took a test online ,then I printed off the whole thing .

    I then wrote a letter explaining why I think I have ASD .

    I went back to the doctors showed them the above and I got a referral .

    I also didn't have any support from my parents during the assessment because they were indenial .

    I now have a diagnosis and I feel much better in myself , now that I understand I'm not just weird and I don't have to force myself to socialise.

    So don't give up.

    I hope it all works out for you 

Children