GP expects ASD teen to manage comms without me.

[Dancemedo]

I'm a bit baffled to have had a call from GP saying that they can't communicate directly with me anymore about DC and that all things healthcare are between them and DC, who they know is diagnosed ASD with low verbality/communication issues.

I understand and think it's a good thing that, in general, Teens can have confidentiality with their GP.

But what about SEN teens?

There is no way on earth (although we are working on independence daily) that DC can/will manage appointments/communications/online portals/prescriptions themselves.

I tried explaining this to the practice and they answered that DC can speak perfectly fine so that proves capacity and that's that.

I didn't know where to start so I excused myself so I could reflect and do some research.

Is parent proxy access the (only) way forward?

Practice did not inform me of the existence of parent proxy access esp given they are fully aware of her ASD diagnosis.

Obviously not SEN aware which is galling but perhaps it was the rudeness that put me off the most.

It's made me distrust them quite a lot:(

Dc1 is an adult now but still needs support sometimes (has asd and complex medical issues). When diagnosed we were advised as has capacity best option was for dc to sign a letter to state I could speak on dc behalf/make decisions etc when needed. There's a copy of the letter sent to every professional involved in dc care (that was 4 years ago and it's never been an issue since).

I presume DC has capacity and that is why the GP has said this, but DC can give permission for you to speak to the GP.

DD2 is an adult with ADHD. She is very articulate. She filled in a form, to allow DH to be her Advocate, dealing with the mental health trust, because often her mental state makes her unable to do so effectively. Either her partner, or one of us accompanies her to meetings.