Psychiatrist, Neuropsychiatrist, or Other for ASD?

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Where does one find adequate support for ASD? My longtime psychiatrist, though well-intended, seems to overlook my autism frequently. He has at times mistaken autistic behaviors for psychiatric ones, and seems to underestimate my challenges with communication. I've considered printing out some articles to help him understand this, yet am also considering a "fresh start" elsewhere.

Is a neuropsychiatrist a better fit, or worth seeking additionally? I'm also curious about seeking other supports in adulthood (i.e. occupational therapy). I need help with things like executive functioning and communication, but from someone who can differentiate my disability from trauma. They can't support one without acknowledging the other, and I have identified this as much of the problem.

Point taken. I've had even more trouble with therapists, though. Two refused to believe that I was autistic in spite of already being diagnosed. I think it's because I can present well in a quiet, one-on-one environment. Many mental health professionals don't seem to consider it at all with me. I've had meltdowns mistaken for mood swings and genuine social difficulties dismissed as anxiety alone. I'd like to do away with such ineffective "help" altogether, honestly, but a lot of this is because I'm on disability and need validation for it.

A bit off topic but, if I suspect co-morbid learning issues, is that something a neuropsychiatrist can diagnose? I actually believe that unsupported learning issues may be the root of a lot of my dysfunction (and resulting emotional issues). Appreciate the link, though.

Tim Atwood is one of the leading experts on the subjects of ASD from a psychology perspective.
Tim Atwood is based in Oz.

Psychiatrists that understand the subject are rare, let alone general doctors and nurses.

In the UK, the Royal College of Psychiatrists do run some courses for registered psychiatrists on ASD,
which I believe are taught by several different doctors, who have a variety of backgrounds, from Psychiatry, to Psychology and Neurological Sciences.

If you don't live in the UK and are unsure of who oversees such training in the country that you live.
Try and find your national charity that looks after the cause of Autism and write to them to ask for advice.

My best professional help was from a public health nurse/social worker. Because she didn't feel qualified, she listened to me instead of any pre-conceptions. Because she had no doctorate, she was still allowed to say "I don't know" and at one point, that was the most helpful answer I've ever had. I would describe her skill as remedial parenting, and it is more of a knack than something reliably taught in schools. The world of therapy is littered with systems that did great work, but only when applied by the originator.

anxiety to meltdown

This book may be of some help for explaining to your primary health care providers what the problem is with people with ASD, in terms of explaining what a meltdown is and helping them to differentiate between tantrums and autism spectrum disorder meltdowns.

As most people who have not read up on the subject still does not understand the difference between voluntary bad behaviour, i.e. a tantrum, and an involuntary neurological reaction that occurs in people with ASD which is a result of neurological reaction caused when various conditions are met.

In simple terms, I use the following simple equation to help explain what a meltdown is:

Stress > Capacity for Stress = MELTDOWN!! !

The more-qualified folk generally feel frustrated if they can't write a prescription, and then another if their previous guess is off.

You could also look into finding local autism groups. They can be a better support network, especially if you don't need medication. I would also look specifically for a female group as female presentation can be very different from male.

I wouldn't like to rely on a shrink but I have no comorbidities of course. For me it's most important to realize what's up with me and other people and to deal the best way with it. Did learn a lot here and a lot in clubs and on the street. You'll find here many people who share special symptoms. What are your problems?

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I am as I am. Life has to be an adventure!