Getting a diagnosis

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I've been seeing a psychotherapist in relation to depression and anxiety, and she thought that I showed symptoms of autism in particular Aspergers. This is not the first time that it's been mentioned to me. When I was 13, the Special Needs Teacher who also taught me Geography and History mentioned that he thought I showed signs and symptoms off it. He did talk to my parents about getting diagnosed but nothing ever came off it (my mum suspects my dad said no to the diagnosis as he doesn't think autism exists). It was also mentioned to me while I was at university by my personal tutor but I couldn't afford to get a diagnosis then. I've been a lurker on WP for a few years (since my PT spoke to me) and have also made several posts but this is the first time I have felt able to go forward with an assessment.

So my therapist and I decided that getting a diagnosis would help me. I have a poor sense of identity and have always felt different to people, so the diagnosis will help me work to hopefully understand why I behave the way I do. I also don't have many friends, and struggle to make that connection of friendship with people as I tend to stare blankly at them. I say inappropriate things; in the middle of a specialist games shop (you know those ones where they sell less mainstream and modern stuff) I shouted about how I couldn't believe people my age (21) were still watching Adventure Time when this shop had a shelf full of Adventure Time Merchandise (I don't look down on these people, it just shocked me that's all), this is just one example. I have very childish tendancies; such as thumb sucking. There are many other symptoms I present too; focus on several interests and hobbies, lack of motivation to do things that don't interest me, poor personal hygiene (I bath but I forget to wash, hardly brush my teeth, and I don't think I even own a hair brush), over exaggeration and dramatizing of small things, inability to adapt to small changes and finding it really difficult to learn new things. I also can't cope with places where it's crowded and noisy, screaming children and balloons popping makes my ears ring and my tummy ache. Until recently I couldn't cope with being in a lift.

She (my therapist) couldn't refer me for diagnosis but has written a letter to my GP about her discussions with me and the symptoms I present to her and to also ask him to refer me.

And today my mum called the doctor on my behalf (can't do phone calls). And I'm nervous. I've always tried to justify the way I am as being part of my depression, because I was bullied at school so it's hard for me to accept that it may be something more.

I feel like I'm not explaining myself well enough here and I'm just getting flustered about the whole thing again. There are aspects about myself that make me feel like I'm not autistic. I have a boyfriend; although I constantly question my emotions and feelings towards him (he's lovely about it though), I can make phone calls to people I know and speak to regularly (mum, dad, brother, boyfriend) and I do occasionally make those connections with people on first meeting (my therapist for example).

I think I just need to know that the way I feel is ok. I am nervous about it, and worried the doctor won't listen to me.

Good luck with your assessment.

Your GP has no place to judge, because they are only trained in physical illnesses of the body, and not mental ones, or learning difficulties, development disorders etc.

Do what I did, and write down all the symptoms you see in yourself on some paper, and take it with you. I never had to take it out my pocket, but if the GP is shrugging you off at the first mention, take out that piece of paper and read it out to him or her.

Good luck with the assessment ; I can really relater to what you describe.

If your GP is decent he will refer you. From what you write, so many people agree or have agreed that you may benefit from diagnosis that he can't simply dismiss everything. Your psychotherapist and mother helping you are good too. You should get a referral and (unless you see a moron or most of the people who tried to help you in the past were wrong) get a diagnosis soon