I've been certain for a while now that I have an ASD but have yet to be diagnosed. The problem is that I have an unfounded fear that my GP will look down on me (as I do with any professional), and that they probably won't believe me when I mention my symptoms (especially as I would have to write them down to properly explain them). Does anyone have any tips that may help me deal with it? I haven't been able to work because of how debilitating it can be, and has resulted in various periods of homelessness, which tend to last a while as I don't feel comfortable asking for help or staying with strangers.
It took me ten years with various GPs to get one to take me seriously about being diagnosed for Asperger's Syndrome. I'd advise the following:
Make a special appointment with your GP for this one issue. Do not raise other health problems at the same time as these will distract from it.
Emphasise how much and in what ways your life is affected, if possible in precisely measurable terms. In my case, this meant statements like: "I have not spent one night away from home for 12 years", "I have not worked for 8 years", "I have only one friend I actually meet - and then only once a month for a couple of hours."
Write down in advance what you want to say - also rehearse it but refer to your notes when necessary at the appointment. It's okay to appear or sound nervous; that will probably strengthen your case!
Emphasise it's a long-term issue and you are not just going through "a bad patch".
Give your reasons why you think it's ASD and not shyness, depression, or the other convenient labels the GP might want to use. Do not be fobbed off with antidepressants or other pills GPs like to prescribe.
Take one of the online tests and record your score for the GP.
If you do not feel comfortable with a particular GP, switch to another either temporarily or permanently (sometimes a different sex of GP makes patients feel more comfortable). It's probably best to see the doctor you're actually registered with, though.
If it helps - and it's possible - ask a relative or friend to accompany you, ideally someone who can confirm what you say without taking over the interview.
Do not ramble. Short, strong, precise statements often make more impact than trying to tell your life history or going on about how bad you feel generally. Allow the GP time to respond.
State clearly that you want to be referred for an autism diagnosis as soon as possible.
It took me ten years with various GPs to get one to take me seriously about being diagnosed for Asperger's Syndrome. I'd advise the following:
Make a special appointment with your GP for this one issue. Do not raise other health problems at the same time as these will distract from it.
Emphasise how much and in what ways your life is affected, if possible in precisely measurable terms. In my case, this meant statements like: "I have not spent one night away from home for 12 years", "I have not worked for 8 years", "I have only one friend I actually meet - and then only once a month for a couple of hours."
Write down in advance what you want to say - also rehearse it but refer to your notes when necessary at the appointment. It's okay to appear or sound nervous; that will probably strengthen your case!
Emphasise it's a long-term issue and you are not just going through "a bad patch".
Give your reasons why you think it's ASD and not shyness, depression, or the other convenient labels the GP might want to use. Do not be fobbed off with antidepressants or other pills GPs like to prescribe.
Take one of the online tests and record your score for the GP.
If you do not feel comfortable with a particular GP, switch to another either temporarily or permanently (sometimes a different sex of GP makes patients feel more comfortable). It's probably best to see the doctor you're actually registered with, though.
If it helps - and it's possible - ask a relative or friend to accompany you, ideally someone who can confirm what you say without taking over the interview.
Do not ramble. Short, strong, precise statements often make more impact than trying to tell your life history or going on about how bad you feel generally. Allow the GP time to respond.
State clearly that you want to be referred for an autism diagnosis as soon as possible.
