Board index › General Discussion › General Autism Discussion

Is my gp supposed to refer me for autism testing?

Page 1 of 1 [ 5 posts ] 

Previous topic | Next topic

Lanceeselhombre
Tufted Titmouse
Tufted Titmouse

User avatar

Joined: 25 May 2018
Age: 23
Gender: Female
Posts: 47

22 May 2019, 11:34 am

I went to my gp a year ago (ik this is a weird time to ask, but I’ll be going back for a physical soon) and asked to be tested for autism, and she told she ‘couldn’t do that.’

I’m very confused.

Also I have been told by a professional that I have autism, but they couldn’t give me a diagnosis because they work in a practice that can’t take me. Not sure if that is relevant or anything though.


_________________
When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras. - Dr. Theodore Woodward


Redxk
Veteran
Veteran

User avatar

Joined: 28 Jun 2016
Age: 45
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,704
Location: Washington

23 May 2019, 4:01 am

If you live in the US, your best bet is to get in to a psychologist. If you don't, I'm not sure how things work. As a rule, medical doctors (psychiatrists included) know little to nothing about ASD and will often try to mask their ignorance by being dismissive and uncooperative. If necessary, get to see a psychologist for depression and/or anxiety if these apply to you, then you can open the discussion of ASD once you have an established relationship.



Sandpiper
Velociraptor
Velociraptor

User avatar

Joined: 11 Dec 2017
Gender: Female
Posts: 493
Location: UK

23 May 2019, 10:47 am

If you live in the UK your GP should be able to refer you to specialist services. You, or someone who knows you well, will need to provide some evidence that such a referral would be appropriate for you. Your GP may administer a short test such as the short version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient as part of their initial assessment. Provision of adult autism services in the UK still seems to be somewhat patchy.


_________________
Autism is not my superpower.


Mona Pereth
Veteran
Veteran

Joined: 11 Sep 2018
Gender: Female
Posts: 8,314
Location: New York City (Queens)

25 May 2019, 8:01 pm

Lanceeselhombre wrote:
I went to my gp a year ago (ik this is a weird time to ask, but I’ll be going back for a physical soon) and asked to be tested for autism, and she told she ‘couldn’t do that.’

I’m very confused.

Also I have been told by a professional that I have autism, but they couldn’t give me a diagnosis because they work in a practice that can’t take me. Not sure if that is relevant or anything though.


In what country do you live, and, if you live in the U.S.A., what part of the country? If you happen to live in or near New York City, I could give you some NYC-specific advice. Others here could give you advice applicable to other countries/regions if appropriate.


_________________
- Autistic in NYC - Resources and new ideas for the autistic adult community in the New York City metro area.
- Autistic peer-led groups (via text-based chat, currently) led or facilitated by members of the Autistic Peer Leadership Group.


AnonymousAnonymous
Veteran
Veteran

Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Age: 34
Gender: Male
Posts: 72,232
Location: Portland, Oregon

27 May 2019, 4:14 pm

If you are an American citizen, do you live in the Pacific NW? If you do, I can look up some places who you can go to and maybe get a diagnosis from.


_________________
Silly NTs, I have Aspergers, and having Aspergers is gr-r-reat!