Appointment with GP to ask for ASD diagnosis - any tips?

[EllaSaturday]

I have an appointment with my GP next week to request a referral for autism diagnosis as I suspect I might be autistic.
I have done a number of tests that strongly indicate the possibility and also read quite a few articles and highlighted the lines that made sense to me (i.e. most of it...).
What else can I bring along to get the ball rolling, as I know I'll freeze and completely panic when I am in there and if she asks why I think I am autistic...

I saw a clinical psychologist in private (was a free one off appointment) and she did a report for me and sent it to my GP. I then made an appointment and he agreed to refer me for a potential diagnosis on the NHS. I was dreading it and felt I'd be laughed at but I wasn't.

Be honest with them. Ask questions. Make sure that you understand everything discussed. If you can, obtain a copy of any relevant paperwork. Ask your GP to definitely refer you to appropriate autism services for your area too. Good luck!! Also take a pen to the appointment just in case you need to write down anything.

If you think you might freeze when asked questions then it might be best to make a list of all the reasons why you think you're autistic and take that in with you. That way when the GP asks something you can just refer back to the list.

It might also be a good idea to outline why you want a diagnosis and why you think it will help.

Write it all down in a letter to the GP. Use examples from articles on ASD, highlighting bits relevant to you. Include your life history and show what you struggle with and how.

Mine covered four sides of A4.

I definitely recommend writing it all down. Then you only have to say 'I think i might be autistic and I'd like to be referred for assessment, here's why'. I organised my autistic traits into the triad of impairments to show how I met the diagnostic criteria. Make sure you explain how it impairs your day-to-day life as well as any issues you had in childhood and adolescence. It doesn't need to be an essay - mine wasn't much longer than a side of a4.

As pp mentioned, make sure you ask to be referred to the autism service for your area. If you don't hear any more after a week, call the autism service directly to make sure they got your referral through ok. Its also a good opportunity to ask them any questions you have about the assessment and waiting times.

Agree with all the above, but also find out the criteria for referral in your area. Because of all the funding cuts you may only be accepted on to the waiting list if it is having a significant impact on your life, for instance if you're unable to maintain employment because of your difficulties.

Thanks everyone. Appointment did not go well. She told me there was probably nowhere that diagnosed autism in adults and anyway, what use would it be. She offered that she could tell me I was probably autistic if it would make me feel better. One meltdown later and she agreed to look into it and Would call me if she found somewhere. I suggested Lorna Wing as my DS1 was diagnosed there. I am now sitting in the park feeling like a failure and crying my eyes out. Oh and she suggested that if I found life difficult I should take anti depressants

Oh dear, that sounds pretty useless.

Some GPs are still very ignorant about these issues.

If you don’t hear anything from her in the next week, could you see a different Gp?

What an ineffective GP! I'd make an appointment with a different GP for a second opinion.

I was so shocked as she is normally the most approachable one at the surgery. Another GP once told us our DS1 was not autistic because he answered her questions and made eye contact... He is diagnosed so not sure what she was getting at. I just hope I do get a referral but her statement that 'adults do not get diagnosed' is not making me feel hopeful. And being laughed at when I walk out of the room in tears.

Anything on this thread of any use?
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnetters_with_sn/3249382-Really-starting-to-feel-low-due-to-multiple-gps-not-believing-that-I-may-be-autistic

You can self-refer to the Lorna Wing Centre, although that probably means you'll have to pay. If that's an option for you, it may be easier than having all the hassle of a battle with your surgery who frankly could do with some autism training.

www.autism.org.uk/services/diagnosis/diagnostic.aspx
"How do referrals work?
There are three ways that people are referred to us for an assessment.

1. A commissioned NHS referral by a medical professional
2. Commissioned referral by block contract with a public sector service
3. Self-referral "

Ignore your GP. Some are just beyond crap. I had a similar (though not quite as bad) situation and yet when I had an appointment with an NHS psychologist he said I was a very clear case of autism. So bollocks to the doctor!!!
I'd be tempted to complain officially about the doctor though you may not feel up to it.
You can insist on a referral can't you? Go to a different GP. If you've a child already diagnosed then it's even more likely that you're on the spectrum.
Hang in there.