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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

  • Why do you need a diagnosis? Many people I know are clearly on the ASD spectrum but cope with life without a diagnosis. 

    It is very expensive and the GP will have a limited budget, so you would need to explain why he or she should spend NHS money in this.

    I think if they are focusing on your successes, e.g. a degree, it is less because they don't believe you have autism and more that they think you are managing the condition well without intervention.

    Alternatively ask about private diagnosis, it can cost thousands, but if you need a diagnosis to get the support you need, it is money we'll spent.

Reply

  • Why do you need a diagnosis? Many people I know are clearly on the ASD spectrum but cope with life without a diagnosis. 

    It is very expensive and the GP will have a limited budget, so you would need to explain why he or she should spend NHS money in this.

    I think if they are focusing on your successes, e.g. a degree, it is less because they don't believe you have autism and more that they think you are managing the condition well without intervention.

    Alternatively ask about private diagnosis, it can cost thousands, but if you need a diagnosis to get the support you need, it is money we'll spent.

Children
  • in reply to Gerty

    it makes sense in a limited funds way.... i mean if they have limited funds, they are gonna prioritize help to those that are visibly not coping and will end up homeless and thus dead. if your funds state you can only save 10% then ofcourse your gonna help the ones heading off a cliff before the ones that seemingly are set in life. so its understandable that way. although their limited funds doesnt seem to matter when prescribing all sorts of unnecessary pharmaceutical meds here and there lol

  • in reply to Gerty

    Being able to achieve a degree doesn't mean you definitely manage well with autism. We really need to stop spreading this rubbish because it really does nothing to help those of us that may appear to have good jobs, education, relationships etc. but have to put a huge amount of energy into keeping up that life and image. If the autism community puts pressure on us to appear like we don't need support then what hope do we have.