Tips for first GP appt - adult autism/adhd diagnosis

[fazedsparkle]

Hello!! I’ve finally plucked up my organisational skills to go to GP and see if I can get diagnosed with autism/adhd

i believe I have both but autism (sensory overload and results like going mute/fatigue/burnout etc) affects me the most I think.
So I’d pursue an autism diagnosis first if I had to choose
Would welcome any tips for a first visit -

I’ve been making some notes against different categories: sensory symptoms, communication and social understanding issues, hyperactivity and lack of attention
and tried to draw out both the now/impact and childhood.
I’ve known a long time tbh - decades! - but I have started to feel like I probably do deserve some support!

it is maybe obvious but the irony is I don’t have capacity for anything like a daily diary to help my case…. I’m a bit worried that my ND issues will be what makes it harder for me to get my case across (it’sa telephone appt)

thank you

Oh my giddy aunt - I spoke to my GP at 2 pm about exactly the same thing. I’m 50.
I have two children on the wait list for autism diagnosis - both 2 years in - it’s huge.

I have known for years that I’m ‘not right’ but thought I might be mentally unwell, abusive or recovering from childhood trauma etc

I had an abusive childhood - my father regularly put me in hospital for failing at something - failing is getting a B grade. I could never keep a room tidy. I hoard paper work. Highly successful in a stressful job but I can’t cope long term and often moved organisations to mask this. I can’t attend a Christmas do - I say yes and then will always back out. I can’t chat like others. I’m not invited out as I am like a rabbit in the headlights.

regularly get fatigued and burn out and sleep from 6 to 6. Social situations panic me etc yet I am hugely successful at work.

any how - was doing all these check lists for my children and thought shit this is me - discussed it with my best friend and line manager and they both gently said ‘did you not think you might me ?’ Both said they suspected for a long time that I am. My daughter is definitely on the spectrum and when she struggles socially it’s exactly like me - I’ve downloaded the molehill mountain but it a massive shock for me to even think I might be - 3 year wait here.

Ah thx for replying and that sounds so illuminating for you! Im glad your friend and line manager were supportive.
was your GP receptive or did you have to push/prepare a lot?

No I didn’t have to at all. She’s dealt with me for 3 years over a trauma so she knows me and knows the kids are waiting to be diagnosed. I wonder if everyone can see it clearly but me!