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Supporting an adult to go to the doctors

NAS85075

Hi there, I wondered if anyone had encountered a similar situation and could share any advice or tips, please. 

My adult son (diagnosed autistic) has been having symptoms of chronic illness for the last year. He is unwilling to discuss his symptoms or see a doctor. If I speak to him about it he blanks me out. It has got to the point where he is clearly very unwell and he can rarely go out. His mental health is also very poor (although similarly will not seek help). I have called 111, and as he wouldn't speak to them himself all they could suggest was to ask here if anyone else had a similar experience. We live together and I am available if he did need me to go with him. 

I am extremely worried about him and scared for him. Could anyone suggest any approaches that could be successful in supporting him to make and attend an appointment with a healthcare provider? 

Thanks all

Parents

  • Oh boy, so getting this one.  Anything medical is a nightmare for me.  I'm trying to get support to go, but it only seems to be available in our area for the intellectually impaired.

    If your son is not intellectually impaired then there is ultimately not much you can do to override his free will to go or not go.  What you could do is approach the doctor yourself.  He/she will not be able to discuss your son's care with you, but can take information from you.  You could explain that you think he is very unwell but that you believe the fact that he is autistic is preventing him from seeking help and that you are concerned.  The GP could then reach out to him and try to get him whatever support he needs to get through an examination.  

Reply

  • Oh boy, so getting this one.  Anything medical is a nightmare for me.  I'm trying to get support to go, but it only seems to be available in our area for the intellectually impaired.

    If your son is not intellectually impaired then there is ultimately not much you can do to override his free will to go or not go.  What you could do is approach the doctor yourself.  He/she will not be able to discuss your son's care with you, but can take information from you.  You could explain that you think he is very unwell but that you believe the fact that he is autistic is preventing him from seeking help and that you are concerned.  The GP could then reach out to him and try to get him whatever support he needs to get through an examination.  

Children