Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, this is my first post.
How does anyone approach their GP about how to get diagnosed? I am only wondering because a few years ago while I was expecting a baby my midwife at the time reported me to social services for signs of me being autistic. At the time, I was frustrated and then as years went by I thought more about what the midwife said and thought she may be right. I did a few tests and they say I am very likely to be autistic. I would like to know for my own sake and peace of mind.
I just don't know how to approach the GP about it. Where I come from I don't see a regular GP/family GP who knows my medical history. I get really anxious to speak to someone and get really muddled. I want to find the right words when I finally pluck up the courage to speak to my GP just don't know what to say or how. Has anyone had experience of this?
Thanks
As my diagnosis was during covid times I did not see my GP face to face. I put together a long letter with evidence about how I felt I was Autistic, including screenshots of diangnostics tests I had done online. I also included some aspects of my history which I felt were linked to Autism.I also included a section on freedom of choice and that I could be referred to a private diagnostic service via the NHS (this got me a referral VERY quickly).
I was then sent the official NHS tests for AD and ADHD, which I competed and sent back.
I had a referral to a private diagnostic service, provided by the NHS, and had a 1 hour interview via zoom with a psychologist. She then wrote her report for a psychiatrist, with whom I had a 1.5 hour zoom interview. He then wrote a report which confirmed the diagnosis of Autism.
Then the fun began of trying to get my work to recognise isses I;d been having were Autism related and make reasonable adjustments. Over a year on I;m still trying to get the reasonable adjustments which were agreed put in place - via a grievance and union support.