What is wrong with these people????

[fightingthela]

Saw gp today to try to get a referral for second opinion after Ados test was negative. 2 EP's and various other professionals suspect ds has AS and he has numerous traits. Gp said - "if they say there's no Autism then there isn't. You can't fake it". Then see Camhs counsellor who is seeing him for his severe anxiety issues and low self-esteem. She said "ds is getting anxious because everyone around him (us and school) is anxious and worried". Then said "what difference would a diagnosis make?"
Is there any end to the incompetence you have to put up with? I know the answer but just need a rant right now.

Don't give up. You have a right to request a second opinion, ask to see a different GP at the practice if necessary. I know GOSH only take referrals for second opinions - print off this page from their website and insist you want to be seen by them.

You might find it helpful to print out this article by a Prof of Psychiatry as well. It talks mainly of the ADI being an imperfect instrument - I don't know the difference between ADI and ADOS but it says they both focus on narrow autism.

Your other alternative is to go private if you can afford it. It will be faster and get you a more detailed report.

There isn;t one eprfect instrument really, the best one is the one the practitioner is trianed in IYSWIM. however, the 3di test is IME very good for picking up children such as ds3 who are a slightly different presentation of a syndrome or condition.

Have oyu considered somewhere like BIBIC? the paperwork tehy generate can be very enlightening and our team was happy to consider it in their decisions.

The teams that pick up harder to dx people are called tertiary clinics; you should be able to get a referral to one (I know the Newport one takes referrals) but you might have to travel.