Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi All!
I now have my first appointment through to speak to my GP about a referral for Autism (and ADHD) in late June. I'm both excited and anxious to get the process started. I've heard bad things about trying to get diagnosed in my area so I wondered if anyone had any tips for how they made sure that their GP took them seriously?
I'm an adult female which I've heard means that symptoms can present differently, the research isn't as grounded, and someone I have spoken to said they really had to fight to be diagnoses even though their difficulties were quite obvious (because they were female).
I'm pulling together a research pack before my appointment, which admittedly is partly for my own use, I like to gather my information together to make sense of things (instead of the deluge of open tabs and sporadic notes that I currently have on my phone). As part of this pack, I'm planning to identify what difficulties I am currently experiencing and how it relates to Autism (or ADHD), what difficulties I have experienced in my childhood (and how they relate again), any masking behaviours I have identified, the impact on the different areas of my life, and then the PDF files of several quizzes that I have done on this page (https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests/). I did a bunch of tests and nearly all of them showed I had Autism.
Oh - I'm also going to identify what help I've received in the past as well (I've had a few forms of therapy) and am currently paying for private therapy. My therapist agrees that I have Autism and ADHD based on what I've told them (though they aren't qualified to diagnose me) so I'm hoping that will help too.
The plan is that I can leave a copy of that pack with my GP so they are actually informed when writing the referral because I know I'll go to pieces the moment I'm actually in the appointment. I get emotional very easily and it's so difficult to explain what's going on when you're crying - especially when under the usual GP appointment time pressure.
Does anyone else have any other ideas?
Many thanks and take care
I think the fact you've included the AQ test in your info should be enough. I don't think GP's can refuse to refer you if you score high on that test. The same with adhd.
I have requested a referral to psychiatry UK via Right to Choose from my GP. I was diagnosed with ADHD last June through them and my psychiatrist agreed I scored highly on the AQ test and wrote to my GP as well.
I, like you, fall to pieces when under pressure and in settings where I'm trying to explain myself.
The Psychiatry-UK website has a template letter and AQ test you can print and fill in to show your doctor. If you want to get referred to them that is. If you're in England you can request referral via Right to Choose to any NHS provider, not just your local NHS service, which may have long waiting times.
Thank you, MrsW! It's good to know that GPs should struggle to refuse me if I score highly. How long is your waiting list to be seen if you don't mind me asking? It's good to know that I'm not alone in falling to pieces when under pressure - though, I'm sorry you're in the same situation as it sucks. I'll check out the Psychiatry-UK website - thank you