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Speaking on the phone, medical & health appointment

Deleted User

I've got a telephone appointment next week to discuss my health. In the past when talking to doctors or whoever,  I've struggled to explain myself properly. I now know this is autism related to do with communication, alexithymia and poor interoception. So now I'm aware of it, I'm more apprehensive than I usually would be as I'm more aware that I struggle to explain myself properly.

So next week on the phone I am going to state from the off that I struggle with open questions and also request if I can email anything retrospectively after the appointment. Also that i sometimes struggle to fully understand how i feel. Of course I'll write a list of what I want to include but quite often this goes out of the window during conversation. I've been keeping a diary but even that is difficult when I have to pinpoint what's going on (ie to what extent). I think sometimes I err on the side of caution and think I'm ok when I'm actually not. I'm just going to tell them I'm AS so find these things difficult.

I need to be able to explain myself clearly or I'm concerned they'll think there's not much of a problem when actually there is and my case won't go any further. 

Has anybody else got any tips or strategies that you use in these situations? I'd much prefer to speak in person or type answers to questions and find initial assessments difficult on the phone. It's ok though once I've got to know someone. 

Thanks.

Parents

  • Yup! So recognising that one. It might help to ask at reception for the GP who by either training, or personal experience, knows most about autism. If they've been trained, have a family member on the Spectrum or who are autistic themselves - they'll get it.

    Despite my usual problems interacting with GPs I had a good experience last week with one who was properly autism informed. She made all the reasonable adjustments I need and booked a double appointment slot for me to allow for all the communication differences and health anxiety.

    You might want to drop them a line before hand just explaining the aspects that are challenging for you.

  • in reply to Dawn

    Thanks Dawn, im glad you had goof experience. In this instance it's an appointment with the hospital and one with occ health thru work. To drop them s line  beforehand in an email is a good idea.  I know what I'm like.... it might happen that I'll forget to mention it at all or not find the right moment at all when on the phone x

  • in reply to Deleted User

    The other thing to try is try an get an advocate. Social services might not take it on themselves if you don't have other needs but might be able refer you to other agencies.

    I had one. She was able to meet me before had, take notes of what I needed to explain to the GP, took notes in case my brain shut down in their an I missed anything and arranged the appointment for me, explaining to the GP how my autism effects me in those situations before hand. It helped. 

    Sadly there doesn't seem to be a permanent service for this. It took days of my time, over months, on the phone to organise and that won't help if I'm knocked over by a bus or contract COVID tomorrow and therefore need a GP.

  • in reply to Deleted User

    Oh great. There's nothing better thAn a partner for this role. They can do so much more than a professional advocate because a) they are readily on hand b) know you better than any one on the planet x

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