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.
