Does your GP tell specialists about your ASD?

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animalcrackers
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26 Aug 2014, 4:59 pm

I mean if they refer you to someone for something not specifically autism related, do they tell the specialist about your ASD as part of the referral (like as a heads up so the specialist knows why you might act weird, that you have communication and/or sensory problems etc.)?

My thought is that if my doctor told a specialist I was autistic, they might be more understanding and/or patient....but I don't know. I don't even know if my GP would tell them.

I'm just wondering if it's a normal thing for doctors to do or not?


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EzraS
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26 Aug 2014, 7:01 pm

Totally for me. My former pediatrician and my new one where I live now specialize in kids with autism. So yeah anything I need to have done in a clinic or wherever they know ahead of time about me. Lots of times I'm sedated some before getting started, just to help insure I don't meltdown. The toughest one is the dentist. I almost always have to be completely put under even for cleanings. It's like with all of it....Warning Potential Meltdown take necessary steps.



steve30
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27 Aug 2014, 1:14 pm

Not sure.

My GP mentioned it on a X Ray referral form once, but my grandmother was present at that appointment, and made a big deal about the AS.

The only other time that I am actually aware of is when I saw an orthopaedic consultant about my neck, and my grandmother made a big deal about the AS, and the consultant didn't really understand it.

I don't think it has cropped up on any of my other referrals where I have been on my own, so I don't know if the GP mentioned it. They probably would if you asked them.



animalcrackers
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27 Aug 2014, 2:59 pm

Maybe it depends on if there is a perceived need? Or maybe it just depends on the doctor?

I should have asked my GP.

It's too late to ask for the referral that prompted this thread -- that one has already been made and I have an appointment with an allergist already.

My GP made sure I would have accomodations for sensory issues when I first became a patient (e.g. I can wait outside of the doctor's office instead of in the waiting room, get the last appointment of the day when possible), has some non-theoretical experience with my communication problems, and knows that I'm terrified of medical people and medical places, so maybe the specialist will have been given a heads up. If not, I'll just try to remember to ask for that to happen if I ever get referred somewhere again.


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SteelMaiden
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27 Aug 2014, 3:03 pm

My GP always mentions my autism because I need a support worker with me when I attend an appointment in St. George's Hospital (my semi-local hospital, I don't go to St Helier's for some reason), and also I react violently to physical contact. I can only cope with any form of physical contact if I take PRN beforehand and have a support worker to keep me calm. Also I am "obviously autistic" in my behaviour (dad's words).


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Lumi
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27 Aug 2014, 5:26 pm

Not sure if I have one, but yes.


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ASS-P
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27 Aug 2014, 6:12 pm

...?...



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27 Aug 2014, 6:13 pm

...um...