Hi i'm Helen

Post Reply New Topic

I'm Helen, i'm 38 yrs old with 4 children. Ive just finished my first year in uni. Ive done really well on the academic work, however I failed a practical exam where I had to do a consultation with a client because I couldnt speak.
Ive been seeing student services who have been very supportive and we have both come to the conclusion it is highly likely that I have Aspergers.
I went to the doctors today to ask for an assessment, the doctor was quite awful, she said that its unlikely im austic as I have children a boyfriend Im in University and I am able to leave the house.
She told me not to get my "hopes up" as its probably not autism but likely its some other mental health issue.
hopes up? I not quite sure what that means?
Does anyone here have experience of getting an adult diagnosis? is what the doctor said correct?

Your behaviors might be autism (or not). But, it was wrong for your clinician to dismiss the idea of autism without an assessment.

It's quite possible that these doctors have an outmoded notion of autism as being of the Kanner type, Severe.

They are not cognizant of the new developments pertaining to "Autism as a Spectrum."

I would try to see a psychologist who is a member of a clinic which specializes in autism. Hopefully, the NHS will cover any assessment from these people.

Hi Helen

Welcome to the forum

Sorry to hear you've had such a bad experience with your GP, it's quite common. Many people with autism have jobs, children, boyfriends, degrees and all sorts of other things so this is nonsense. The GP seems to have a very outdated view of what autism is and needs educating.

If you don't mind sharing, what are the specific difficulties you're having that might relate to Aspergers, and how did you present this to your GP? You have a right to an assessment (though you might have to wait a while depending on the waiting list in your area) so it would be worth going back armed with more information.

My GP was fine, he didn't say much and referred me but I did basically go in there and tell him to refer me. He asked why and I gave him a concise list of my issues and he agreed straight away.

It is from what I've heard very difficult to get a diagnosis as a female due to lack of awareness of how it presents in women. Perhaps you could research specialists in your area and request to be referred to one of them, someone with specific expertise in this area, if you can find one.

I'm going private and have my assessment on Wednesday, as I was told the waiting list was well over a year and I feel like my life is on hold until I find out for sure. I'm lucky to be able to just about afford the private fees though. I know I'm seeing someone who knows their stuff and they are familiar because I can watch videos on YouTube of them, also my partner was diagnosed by the same person so I'm feeling a lot more relaxed about the whole thing than I might otherwise have. Not that I'm actually relaxed though haha, this is bringing all kinds of stuff up for me, like it does with most people I guess.

Good luck and don't let the GP put you off pursuing an assessment.

Hello, its hard to put into words the difficulties I've been experiencing

I have alot of trouble with social interaction.
I was an only child with no other children in the family, I had no friends until I reached 14, I can still remember feeling like an alien when I started nursery and not being able to join in with the other kids.
Ive always been seen as quiet and shy, I dont speak alot, I feel like a rabbit in headlights when a stranger speaks to me.
I was bullied throughout high school for being odd or weird. not physically as I am very tall but cruel verbal taunts. I never once said anything back to them, I didnt know how.
I had one friend in high school despite my school being the largest in europe with around 2500 pupils.
i did however have 2 friends outside of school who were 5 years older than me and had IQ's of 145 and 147.
I have difficulty lying and often find myself completly oblivious to the fact I have offended people. I have tried online tests and score badly for faux pas.
I feel very isolated, suffered from depression for most of my adult life, many many trips to the doctors and many types of antidepressants that have never done anything.
I cant stand noise or strong smells, I had many arguments as a child due to refusing to wear coarse fabrics, I wear sunglasses most of the time as light hurts my eyes.
I'm the black sheep of my family, I was kicked out at 18 have been ostracized for nearly 10 years, my relationship with my mother was awful, I dont think she bonded with me as a child which can also cause autistic traits.
on the plus side I'm very good at the academic side of my degree.

I was quoted £1359 for a private assessment so thats unlikely to happen

I can relate to a lot of what you've said (even the high school, hmm it wasn't in Devon was it?).

That's a lot of money, my assessment is costing £750 which is still a lot but almost half! It's in London and is with Prof. Digby Tantam who is one of the world's leading experts in Aspergers. If that's more affordable his waiting list at the moment is around a month.

Otherwise I would definitely go back and push for a referral as it sounds like it could be a valid diagnosis.

Hey Helen welcome.

Hi Helen & welcome!

I'd definitely suggest trying to see a different doctor as a first step.

I would go to a specialist in the mental health field who deals with autism in order to find out if you are on the spectrum. You have to meet a list of criteria to be considered autistic.

I had selective mutism when I was younger. I wonder if that relates to what you're experiencing? Although I think that mostly happens in childhood.

Well, welcome to the forum anyway. I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

Welcome to Wrong Planet!

Hi Helen. Welcome!

welcome

They shouldn't simply dismiss you like that if you have requested a professional opinion, people on the spectrum are in many different places in life and have different needs and levels of struggle, I would try to see another doctor, obviously it does not mean you are autistic but the possibility seems to be there and it deserves exploring.