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Doctor doesn't see point of diagnosis.

Paddy

I went for a check-up at my hospital today, and told my doctor of my belief that I am on the autistic spectrum. He said there was only any point in going for a diagnosis if my belief is causing me problems, such as with socialising. Since it isn't, then I suppose I can at last accept that I am on the spectrum, and it feels very nice to have that closure.

  • Daddy, I realise I incorrectly took your reference to "doctor" as being your GP. Nevertheless, someone in the health service who sounds supportive of you.

    Liking yourself a lot more is a great achievement!

  • I agree that it would probably take a lot of time, and perhaps I should seek a diagnosis in the future, but, really, I am still getting to grips with the probability that I am on the spectrum.

    Luckily, I bypassed my GP surgery and went straight to a hospital consultant who has treated me for many other health problems over the years. I don't think my GP surgery would have been nearly as supportive, as they do not see me so often, and I thought it was good that my consultant didn't dismiss me, at least. I will see what happens over the next few weeks and months, consider things carefully, and take the next step if and when I think it's necessary. At the very least I like myself a lot more now than I did in the past. 

  • I totally agree about how things might change in the future. I started to work out for myself that I may be on the spectrum 5 years ago, but having read that it takes a long time for a diagnosis, didn't take it further. In Summer 2014 I went to my GP with chest pains. She thought it was stress and sent me on a stress management course, and for a hospital test to make sure my heart was OK. In December 2014, after the stress course, I saw a mental health nurse who immediately suggested Aspergers, started an assessment, and got me on the waiting list. I'll get the results of the diagnosis next month. So not far short of two years, by the time I have my Post Diagnostic Counselling.

    While I'm waiting for the results, I'm stressed and anxious about various major issues in my life that I feel I can't resolve until I know the results, and some of them are getting urgent. It's felt like a race to see if I get a diagnosis before a major problem becomes urgent. A year ago, I almost totally switched off from the world, as I had got so overwhelmed, and I'm still in that state.

    So I'd say, from my experience, it's best to get a diagnosis ASAP, as part of your preparations for your future.

  • Hi Paddy,

    That's great that you are content with life at the moment, albeit with some stress and meltdowns. Of course it's an entirely personal choice, but if life changes in the future such that you could benefit from a diagnosis, it would be difficult to access that quickly via the NHS, as the NHS waiting times are usually very long. The kind of situation I'm thinking about particularly is a change in employment situation (e.g. job loss, discrimination, or the need for reasonable adjustments), or applying for benefits - for disability or being out of work.

    Anyway, having a supportive GP is a positive in your situation. It sounds like if at any point you decided to seek a diagnosis your GP would be helpful.

  • Hi Livvy and John. Forgive me for not being too clear in my last post. The doctor I saw, in fact, from the evidence I presented to him, did believe that it's entirely probable that I am on the spectrum, he just thought that, since I am relatively content with the way my life is at the moment(at least as far as lack of social contact goes), then it is only really necessary to seek a diagnosis if that side of my life becomes a problem.

    I do suffer from meltdowns very frequently, as well as quite severe sensory problems, which do get worse when I'm overloaded with stress. I have read at least eight books on the subject and recognise aspects of myself in every one. In addition I have performed the online Aspie quiz at least eight times and today I scored 170 out of 200 in the aspie part. I believe there is evidence to suggest I am on the spectrum, and, should I ever need any emotional or psychological help with aspects of my life I will definitely seek a diagnosis. Thanks for your posts.

  • Why do you believe you're on the spectrum if it's not causing any problems? There are various online tests you can do to give you a fair idea if you are. You might pick up things that you don't realise are problems, but that may develop into something more serious in future. The online tests in themselves don't carry any weight, but the psychologist doing my assessment has copies of all the ones I've done, and said they will be useful in giving him extra information to help with my diagnosis. If the experts find them useful, a GP has no excuse for ignoring them!