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Adult; possibly ASD; just got referral from GP

Hare

Hi, call me Hare.

I did my research before going to my GP and took her a list of behaviours and difficulties I have that I thought indicated I am on the autistic spectrum. She initially said a few discouraging things, but I was prepared for her resistance and I had my arguments prepared. She agreed to refer me. I'm now just waiting for my referal and the next bit of it: assessment and potential diagnosis.

It's good to read the discussions here and recognise myself. I hope to get a diagnosis to understand why, in my late twenties, I have to work really hard in every social interaction to go through my mental checklist, "Say hello, smile; they asked me about my weekend. Now I ask them about their weekend. What was the last thing they were talking about (partner, family, social event, etc.) - is it a good idea to ask about that?" I thought it would start to come naturally to me, but it's still a huge effort.

I look forward to learning more and hopefully getting support and information through my assessment and whatever diagnosis I receive.

  • IntenseWorld said:

    If they say anything about your parents not being there, you can suggest they arrange a telephone interview and they could also perhaps send them a questionnaire, as well as having your notes as they might want it direct from them.

    That's a good idea, thanks.

  • If they say anything about your parents not being there, you can suggest they arrange a telephone interview and they could also perhaps send them a questionnaire, as well as having your notes as they might want it direct from them.

  • urspecial said:

    That's great new Hare,

    If your parents etc can come or submit evidance to the person diagnosing you it may help, as they knew you when you were younger, which is an area the professional may go into detail for the diagnosis.

    Unfortunately, they live across the country, but I prepared notes from them about my childhood to take with me.

    urspecial said:

    Really pleased to hear you kept your nerve and took your GP on for the referral.

    I would also ask, if you feel you need it, a social care assessment after you are diagnosed. This is called a Community Care Assessment as the Autism Act 2009 Guidance says you should have one once a diagnosis is made.

    It is difficult to get as most people dealing with NHS/Social Services don't know about Autism or simply don't follow this statutory guidancee but don't give up. Alternativly it may help to look at NHS Continuing Healthcare if you feel your needs are more health related.

    Thanks. I didn't know about that; it's really helpful.

    urspecial said:

    For the emotional side of things, you may want to take a friend or someone for when the actual diagnosis, if made, is actually given to you.

    Definitely. I'll take my partner to any future appointments. (I was so stressed after my first GP appointment, when I had to fight to get believed, that I accidentally scraped my car as I was leaving the doctors. Eep!)

  • IntenseWorld said:

    Well done for going prepared and being determined.  GPs too often try to fob people off if they can get away with it!

    Yep! My GP said a few things along the lines that people "only got diagnosed in childhood" and that I "probably just had depression".

  • That's great new Hare,

    If your parents etc can come or submit evidance to the person diagnosing you it may help, as they knew you when you were younger, which is an area the professional may go into detail for the diagnosis.

    Really pleased to hear you kept your nerve and took your GP on for the referral.

    I would also ask, if you feel you need it, a social care assessment after you are diagnosed. This is called a Community Care Assessment as the Autism Act 2009 Guidance says you should have one once a diagnosis is made.

    It is difficult to get as most people dealing with NHS/Social Services don't know about Autism or simply don't follow this statutory guidancee but don't give up. Alternativly it may help to look at NHS Continuing Healthcare if you feel your needs are more health related.

     

    Or what I've just said above is of no use to you, which is fine, I thought it's best for you and others to prepare for (at least more in the after-support side of things) for once diagnosed.

    For the emotional side of things, you may want to take a friend or someone for when the actual diagnosis, if made, is actually given to you.

     

     

    Hope some of this helped and to hear from you soon. 

    urspecial.

  • Well done for going prepared and being determined.  GPs too often try to fob people off if they can get away with it!