Questions for Diagnosis.

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I posted this in the teen forum, but someone suggested I post it here.

I was told by a doctor at one of my audiology appointments to go to my GP and 'find out what was wrong'. She mentioned ADHD, and thought I should get checked for that, but I think Asperger's is more likely.

I'd like to know what sort of questions my GP is likely to ask me, for me to get a referal because my mother says I'll need to have 'strong points' as the system doesn't like to label people. I wrote something up about symptoms I think I have, but my mother suggested that they might ask about the way I think.

If I go in there, I'll just get nervous and not really say anything it at all but I might do better if I have something in front of me (although, even when I've gone in with one sentence to bring up, I've never managed to).

If you had a late diagnosis what sort of questions did you get asked?

When I was diagnosed I just went in and said that I think I'm autistic. He asked why I thought that and I explained my reasoning which involved talking about early childhood, special interests, social deficits, things like that. I didn't go to a GP. I went directly to a psychologist who had experience with people on the spectrum. (He actually has Asperger's too...) You might look up the diagnostic criteria and write down specific examples in your life that match up.

I've also gone to professionals who have blown me off when I mentioned my belief so don't take it personally if it happens to you. It happens to everyone at times.

Good luck.

I wrote a one page summary of my difficulties, including stating why I was there ("I think I may have an autistic spectrum disorder... this is why: <list of troublesome difficulties, with examples of situations>. Can you please refer me for an assessment") as a prompt sheet or backup if I had trouble speaking.

When I arrived at the GP, I couldn't speak at all so I just handed her the sheet.

She said "Yes, I will refer you for an assessment" and then asked me some questions about the things I had written (which I did just about manage to answer).

Don't worry about it too much (easy to say, I know, in hindsight - at the time I was terrified). The aim is to get the GP to refer you, not to diagnose you.

The psychiatrist I was referred to got a THREE PAGE, SMALL FONT summary of my difficulties. The GP doesn't need to know everything and was probably relieved to only have to deal with the "short version".

If you have your mother's support, take her with you as she will help out if you can't speak and can help push for a referral if this is something you find difficult.

I was worried that simply writing it up might be 'wrong'. Last time I tried to explain myself to my audiologist I had a meltdown and she wrote to various people (my mother and school included) to tell them I should see a phychiatrist.

My mother doesn't believe I have it. Or at least she claims not to sometimes and on other occassions tells me that I surely I should just be happy knowing I have it and complains about wanting a label on me. So, I'm not sure she'd be much of a back up. The previously mentioned time I had a meltdown in the audiologist's office she just told me off for making her look like a bad mother.