help!

Unfortunatly haven't been able to get an appointment due to college commitments recently but I have an appointment for late next week perfect timing as my aunt who I mentioned in my first post is currently visiting so she has decided to come with me to speak to my GP (don't know whether that's a good thing or bad thing). Hopefully some sense will come out of my new GP.

Thanks everyone above for your advice. Phoning the health centre today to book my Drs appointment :)

Some of what you describe is similar to how I am, particularly the obsessive interests, friendship difficulties, and tantrums - I have Asperger's. I can't say whether you have it or not, but it sounds like there are several red flag traits, and I would get assessed if I were you.

How does your (ex?) GP think there is an Autism Act and an Autism Strategy for adults getting assessed and diagnosed then!  (Don't know if they apply in Scotland but the point remains).

Don't be put off going back to the GP from one bad experience.  You have every right to get an ASC assessment.

Hi, don't believe the GP. Its a load of nonsense about you 'already knowing'.

I was diagnosed aged 17 with Aspergers syndrome, and when I was getting evaluated by proffessionals (NOT my GP) a lot of things came to light in regards to my behaviour as a child.
May I ask, are you female? Because if thats the case, females exhibit different autistic symptoms as the grow older, like myself. Its because we're hardwired to try and adapt socially whether we conciously recognise it or not. Because of my ability to 'get by' and because I got good marks throughout high school etc no one ever thought there was any reason for me to be assessed until I had a massive breakdown at home.

Theres many reasons to get diagnosed asides from council benefits (I myself haven't applied because I feel at the moment I don't need outside help), most of which involves learning about yourself and different coping methods or techniques.
The best way to get your GP to pay attention and not fob you off is to write down a list of your 'symptoms' and explain how they're affecting your life. Increased anxiety, issues communicating etc. That way it demonstrates how this potential condition -is- having an impact on your life and deserves to be investigated by a proffessional.

Now be warned, CAMHs (Childrens and Adolescents Mental Health Society) usually has one heck of a long waiting list, so the earlier you get an appointment the better. If they book you in for an assessment its likely that you'll be asked to take a few simple tests, namely filling out some questionnaires and answering questions. No blood work or health check so don't worry.

While getting a positive diagnosis is great initially (and long term), you should know that once the novelty of finally understanding why you act or think the way you do wears off, theres a high chance you may get a little down. This is because as much as a diagnosis helps, the realisation that you'll never fit in with the NT's is pretty hard to swallow, and you start questionning your actions, trying to decide whether you're doing something because its you or your ASD.

During this time, its important to accept these feelings but also to look to the future. By getting a diagnosis you'll be able to access the help you need, or find strategies to help you in the future. Getting my diagnosis was hard at first, but since then I gained the courage to behave more like myself in public. I now go to uni, have a whole group of close friends I can rely on and feel confident enough to be independant.

And look at it this way, even if you get an assessment and don't get diagnosed, there may be some 'traits' you need help with such as anxiety. You've got nothing to lose by asking for an appointment and everything to gain by going.

Best of luck, I hope things work out for you.

Thought I'd add a bit of an "about me" to go along with my statement above.

I am 17 live in Fife, I have never been the most sociable person. I find social situations such as school and even family parties difficult. I do have the odd temper tantrum like a child but I haven't had any in a while. I don't have many friends either the few I have I only speak to on social media. I have a very good memory, I memorise number plates, phone numbers and like to use words that normally wouldn't be used. As my name thing says I love the Lilo & Stitch films, I sat alone in my room for 5 days learning the lyrics to the song He Mele No Lilo from the first film. Everytime I have had an interest like that I dive right into it and learn as much as possible about that subject. In the past I have done the same with, Ancient Egypt and Miley Cyrus. When I was 5 I even refered to Black and White Cows as dalmation cows as I was a 101 Dalmations fanatic, if you will, at the time. In general I have always been a bit geeky in school I excelled in Computing, Politics and History, although I have never been good at English as I can't seem to focus when it comes to reading fiction. I wont type anymore as my hands are beginning to hurt. Also I have a pet cat, who is black and white so in 5 year old mes (if thats even a word) I have a dalmation cat!

Emma :)