Published on 12, July, 2020
I’m really worried and am putting off approaching my GP for an assessment.
Does anyone have any tips on how to have this conversation as an adult female?
No no of course not, a diagnosis can be so so helpful.
Functioning labels, not so much!
Ah - I get it!
I misunderstood and thought you were indicating that diagnosis of autism was harmful rather than just the high/low sub-classification.
Hi, I’m new to this community but just wanted to share my experience on this. I too was really worried about approaching my gp about an assessment and put it off for many years. I eventually approached the subject when I was diagnosed with social anxiety and panic disorder. My gp was lovely and when going through all my concerns agreed that i should be referred. Due to the pandemic the waiting list was extended by 6 months, now 20months after my initial referral I have been assessed and was told on the day of the assessment that I am on the Autism spectrum. I know where I live you can also do self referrals so don’t actually have to go through your GP but not sure if it’s the same everywhere. can I also just add that the assessment is very full on, lots of paperwork, questionnaires, questions about you as a baby, child etc( these were difficult for me to answer as my mum is sadly deceased and my dad not around) but I would just say if this is the same case for you then just answer them to the best of your ability. The actual assessment lasted 4 hours and was in 2 halves. I hope this helps a little but as others have said, make a note of all your concerns and when making the go appointment make sure you are only discussing the referral so the focus can be on that.
"High/low-functioning" labels are harmful to autistics | LDT (learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk)
I wasn't told, probably stimming and completing an answer to a question before I would register an interruption.
yea this is true
Thank you! Sorry to keep asking Qs, but what outward signs did they notice?
It was fine really, I sought the doctors experience on autism, gave my reasons for considering it, they saw that I had some outward signs and after consultation agreed that a referral was pertinent.
Can you explain how it went?
I went in to my GP, totally unmasked, it freaked them out enough to make a referral
I think these are good reasons and same as mine were. It massively helped understand my MH. I would say, there are days when I doubt myself, even after diagnosis!
Not something I came up with, but commonly used term in software development (especially for mobiles).
en.wikipedia.org/.../Hamburger_button
I'm looking forward to my diagnosis for three main reasons...
Why?
Functioning labels are very harmful
Thanks for the advice. Can you explain why you believe a diagnosis isn't helpful for high functioning austusm?
You should try to clarify WHY you want to have a diagnosis from an official channel.
it often isn’t helpful for high functioning autistic people
Make a list of reasons why u think u are autistic.
include blood relatives in your family who are autistic or adhd or called weird/different
and a list of occasions when u have been called weird, autistic, different
the list should be electronic ie so you can email it to anyone who wants it.
Hamburger menu? I’ve never heard it called that before. I believe the icon is meant to represent a list. Interesting how differently people see things.
Be prepared for the question "why do you think you're autistic? " I emailed a list to my GP based on the criteria on the NAS website.