GP's Reaction to me asking for a referral...

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Yes, £65 for a 15min appointment with a GP...

For a moment I was considering it... But sadly my bank account doesn't stretch that far...

Yellow Banana what made you come to the conclusion that you have AS?

Also do you Stim?

See my thread here, Bizzie: http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt151928.html

There are other things not listed in that thread.

Yes, I stim but generally in socially acceptable ways (I'm 37 so have learned to adapt): pacing, running in circles, flapping, face rubbing, visual stims (tracking & tracing patterns, focusing on one spot until everything blurs) and also counting in thousands or tens of thousands (usually in my head, sometimes aloud or on my fingers).

Oh Yellow Banana I read your thread earlier...

Have to say I could relate to it a lot...

Especially these parts

-Have difficulty knowing when to join in a conversation, and when not to. And what to say to join in, or how to approach a group of people who seem to be having an interesting conversation that I would like to join in. And how to start a conversation when I need to talk to somebody about something remains a mystery – usually I just start talking somewhere in the middle of my thoughts when I see them on their own and hope it is a convenient time.

- Difficulty expressing myself especially when talking about me, my thoughts, ideas or emotions; this becomes especially difficult if I recognise that the person/people I am talking to are not following/misinterpreting what I am trying to say because I am not expressing myself clearly. Vicious circle.

- Small talk is difficult, and I don’t see the point of it. I mean, I know and understand the reason for it, but that seems pointless, so I find it difficult. I can usually manage about two small talk phrases before things descend into an uncomfortable silence.

- An inability to get my thoughts out of my mouth (sometimes because there are too many of them) resulting in losing the power to speak - usually in emotional or otherwise stressful circumstances, or when asked direct questions (especially in front of others).

- While I sometimes appear to function well e.g. when working, this takes an exceptional amount of effort and is exhausting.

- It’s difficult for me to change plans unless I plan to be flexible. This is difficult to describe; but there are some places/circumstances/events that I know are likely change that is OK as I can plan for that …

- Obsessive & Intrusive Thoughts: Yup, still have these especially when a social situation has “gone wrong” – I analyse, over analyse, repeat, repeat, repeat, bore the few people I can talk to about it by repeating, repeating, repeating, analysing, analysing, analysing, not sleeping, wish my head would shut up, oh yeah, still obsessing, shut up I want to concentrate on something else, repeat, analyse, repeat, analyse, repeat…


Special Interests: As a child enjoyed watching cars, counting cars that drove pass my window. Looking through the argos catalog and playing various number games. Many others too...

Have you ever heard of other conditions which involve stimming or stimming like behaviour?

I like to look at all the possibilities

I don't really know about other conditions involving stimming like behaviour - I think because for me the stimming is the least of my concerns I haven't really been looking; the rest seems to fit ASD so well I don't think I need to look further at this stage (and frankly I don't have the time with all the time I'm spending here on WP!! New obsession?)

I read one of your previous threads and you mention these things in your description of stimming: "I flick my fingers/flap my hands/ tense my muscles/ make some noises and clap"

I also do the muscle tensing thing and clapping.

I'm glad you were able to relate to some of the things I wrote. I will never be able to say this stuff to my GP so I have to write it down. That advice is sound advice. The trick is to get the GP to actually want to take the time to read it....

Stimming and such can be tics, movement related to Parkinson's, anxiety related. Google movement disorders. That should give you some ideas. What you may want to do is compare these other possibilities with your stimming and then when a GP or other professional says you don't have an ASD you can say in detail what you are doing vs other people or disorders.

That is a good idea Wave freak...! Quickly Googled it... found some interesting stuff...

I understand what your saying Yellow Banana, but I just feel that because the Stimming is a physical thing it is easier to explain then say how I feel...

Also I think WP is a new obsession for me too... I love reading stuff on here... can relate so much...

Yellow Banana do you ever feel like you are having a normal day?

Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.

Wave freak I don't understand what you said. Explain?

Wait I got it I think... Anywho...

A reference to the Borg.

Being obsessed with WP happens to a lot of us. It's a rite of passage. Welcome to the zoo.

Hi Bizzie I am in the UK too.
When the GP gets back in touch and the answer is a straight NO just ask to be seen by another GP - you have the right to obtain a second opinion.

I too am undiagnosed but am seeking a formal diagnosis as soon as for my own peace of mind. I am hoping I get a positive response from my GP when I ask as there are 2 large autistic residential communities served by my GP practice so I sincerely believe he will have some knowledge of the spectrum.

I understand that thought. But it's not just about the stimming and I don't think you should reduce it to that. Anyway, the fact that she is going to speak with a psych and get back to you may be a good thing... we shall see.



I don't really understand the question.
Every day is a normal day - the only kind of day I have ever experienced.

Rule #1: Never bring up a diagnosis.

The minute you bring up a diagnosis to any doctor or therapist, they will throw it out the window and never consider it. Even if a previous doctor has actually diagnosed you with it.

Next time, ask for a referral to see a psychiatrist because you've been feeling really depressed and would like someone to talk to who could also prescribe medication if it's necessary. If she's skeptical based on last time, brush it off by saying something like, "Oh that was just something I read on the internet" and reiterate that you really would like a psychiatrist to evaluate you and discuss depression issues. There's really no professional justification for denying you a referral to a specialist for mental health needs. Vitamin D isn't that amazing of a substance.

ETA: I forgot to complete my thought here. LOL Okay, so you get the referral based on "depression issues" and you use it as your foot in the door to really discuss AS with a psychiatrist. Again, don't say AS by name. Mention anyone in your family who exhibits the same symptoms... fudge a little and say they were diagnosed (you wouldn't believe how that helps because psychiatrists always value a relative's "official diagnosis") and say things like, "But I don't know if that's it for me. Who knows." and keep the diagnosing power with the doctor.

Keep in mind that you may not actually have AS. There's a number of stops on the Spectrum. Keep your mind open and really listen to the psychiatrist. But first you have to jump the GP hurdle... which may involve keeping it simple and claiming you're just really depressed and want to see a psychiatrist.

Hey Cosmic Russ,

To be Honest I think that is what her answer will be... I had an originally decided to go this Friday... I still have the appointment booked... Do you think it would be a wise decision to go then? I could get everything prepared and explain what happened during the last appointment... I'd be able to bring someone with me this time...

And Yes, Yellow Banana, It is not just about the stimming... But it feels like this is evidence that she can't dismiss as me having a bad day... Sort of what she made me feel like when she said have some Vitamin D tablets...

I meant do you feel like your fine... sort of like you haven't said anything wrong today, been able to communicate... Sometimes I feel like I am coping really well.. If that makes sense... Nothing has made me feel too overwhelmed... bit difficult to explain... so nevermind...

Wefunction I wish somebody told me this before... but tbh I think I wouldn't be able to pull this off... find it so difficult to lie, especially to strangers... think it is the anxiety