Published on 12, July, 2020
So, if you aren't all bored with me banging on about this topic yet, here's another call for opinion.
In my quest to secure some proper support to get through my own GPs doors nevermind survive hospital treatment, it seems I have secured a meeting with the Comissioners for Coventry and Warwickshirs Partnership Trust to talk about improving the offer for autistic people. (Currently this sucks, simply because no one can wrap their heads around the issues). I'm not imagininging this is a local problem at all. The problems are likely the same nationwide.
In this meeting, I'll be banging on about my own barriers, of course, but this isn't just my issue, is it? I am no more than just one example, or case study, here.
So, what do you want your local trust to offer you to better access your health care? I'll take all your ideas forward with me to that meeting.
Training for all medical proffessionals and staff on recognising the signs for undiagnosed autism would be a good start. For example, an individual repeatedly turning up at the surgery struggling to make sense of why they feel the way they do and repeated prescription for antidepressants not helping.....please ask them to look at the obvious to eliminate autism before mis diagnosing. Please ask them to read the nice guidlines x
Absolutely, even mental health don't recognise autism when they see it and many get inappropriate care as a consequence.
There is indeed, in addition to services, a bit need for the training of professionals
Definitely needed.
It is only when reading my GP notes sent with the request for an autism assessment, that I realised how many flags there were for autism and how seriously I had been misdiagnosed over the last 30 or so years, not just by GPs but by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
They also all need training in what interventions might be effective.
Very good point! There were so many missed signs that GPs or therapists could have picked up on in me, instead of repeatedly prescribing drugs or giving therapy that didn't work.
And recognition of burnout
Great point! I fully agree!
Also, your point made me think that healthcare professionals should receive autistic led training on autistic experience and the differences between autistic burnout and depression.