Published on 12, July, 2020
hi everyone! i’m looking for some advice. i’m 20 years old. i’ve thought for some time now that i have autism. i’ve got a long list of how i acted as a child and how i act now. i phoned my gp a couple times and even had an appointment to discuss this. as usual, i was turned away from a diagnosis and told to seek help elsewhere, specifically here. i believe a diagnosis would really help me and stop my constant questioning of myself. i was always the ‘well-behaved smart girl’ in school, and i am currently doing well in university, which is why i think no one has taken me seriously. the reality is, i have struggled so much with what i’ve discovered is called ‘masking’. i never realised that neurotypical people don’t do this? it’s so very mentally and physically draining for me, but because it doesn’t affect anyone around me it feels as though i should be doing fine. but i’m really not. it’s so stressful, i really don’t know what to do next. am i going to live like this for the rest of my life?
Honestly everytime I hear some report an attitude like that from their GP, I feel like screaming.
It isn't because you do a good job of appearing to be ok that your needs should be ignored. That's a dangerous attitude. We appear to cope until we just can't. But they could prevent you reaching that point ever by giving you the assessment and empowering you to get that bit support to make life easier.
You do have some other options. While you are a student the university might help you get to an assessment. Alternatively, you could speak to another GP.
Absolutely, there's a lot of prejudice against women too - I would take the ASQ test and print off the result, then print off info on how ASD is often not recognised in women and try again. Also approach the university for support. This is an example of good practice for HE: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/uploads/production/document/path/10/10865/Best_Practice_Guide_03_screen.pdf - ask your university if they have such a policy. Under current law, you don't need a diagnosis to access support for a hidden disability.
Take the AQ: https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient
Read this: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/pre-diagnosis/adults
Read this and print it off for your GP: https://www.healthline.com/health/autism-in-women
Check whether self-referral is an option with your local NHS Autism Services
Good luck! And in the meantime feel free to make friends and find support here.