I'm not sure if this applies to every area, but certainly where I am the diagnostic team wouldn't accept a referral unless you described how it negatively impacted your daily life.
The first referral my GP made was rejected because she hadn't written that it impacts my work, studies and social life. I then contacted the diagnostic team and provided more information about the difficulties I face.
It didn't feel good to have to spell out the difficulties you have, but that's what I found I had to do to get the referral accepted.
Thanks, that's interesting. It doesn't affect my work, but that's because I chose my freelance career based around my autism. When AI replaces the work I currently do, I doubt I'll be able to get a job.
I dropped out of education due to social difficulties and no accommodations. That was 12 years ago. Can I bring it up?
I lose a lot of sleep worrying about being homeless, not because of lack of work but because I find it very difficult to communicate well enough with any service (e.g. letting agents) to get the desired outcome. I can't process info over a phone which is a big part of the problem.
Socially I think I do OK but I'm estranged from family with only one close friend. I'm brilliant at making acquaintances (can get chatting to anyone) but don't keep relationships because they get confusing.
I think I'll write all this out on a sheet of paper so I can bring it.
I would absolutely include all of that. Unfortunately, most health services perceive autism from a deficit model so your best chance of having a referral accepted it to focus on 'deficits' or difficulties.
You can definitely bring up the education aspect even though it was 12 years ago - something they will also look for is if these difficulties have been present throughout your life as autism is something you always have from birth, not something you develop later on, so talking about past difficulties will only add to your case.
Do let me know how you get on! When are you speaking to your GP?
Monday! I hardly spoke at all during primary school (I was sent to a speech therapist but that didn't really help) so I'm definitely going to bring that up too.
Monday! I hardly spoke at all during primary school (I was sent to a speech therapist but that didn't really help) so I'm definitely going to bring that up too.
