Help- Possibly going to a GP about asperger's syndrome.?!


Question: Help- Possibly going to a GP about asperger's syndrome.?
I am 14 and live in England. My mother has a agreed to take me to the GP to try and get a referral to a specialist to diagnose me. (We can't get a private assessment, we haven't got enough money unfortunately).

I am not a great conversation starter, and neither is my mum. I was just wondering what information do you need to take to a GP to get them to refer you?

A list of the symptoms and how they apply to you? A developmental history?
And what do we say when the GP goes- "What can I do for you?"

thanks

Answers:

Just be honest, in a nice but confident way. Don't let the GP push you around and make sure your words are taken seriously. (Again be nice, but just be earnest .)

Doctors of all kinds are appreciative of patients who get to the point and are honest instead of trying to manipulate things due to uncertainty to other reasons. It just helps all involved.

Yes, a list of symptoms and application, your history, have a fair knowledge on Asperger's which I assume you do (likely more than the GP), and also look up treatment for Asperger's medically. Find out what can be DONE potentially medically. Then apply this to the conversation.

The GP, may have a very limited knowledge on the process and it will then be in your court to sort of steer the conversation and use his/her influence and referrals. IE: You may need to tell the doctor, I have lived with this all my life so am very familiar subjectively but also objectively have researched what options I have and they are A, B, and C. I am here to get your medical expertise on the matter and quite honestly I anticipate this to require someone who is specialized in the treatment of this disorder and as such need you to provide and direct referrals to these specialists. (You can definitely mention the types of doctors you would like to see here..)

Don't let the GP/PCP down play your request, don't let him tell you it isn't in need of such help and you seem quite functional etc.. Be insistent and prepared in your questions and answers to the doctor. Bottom line you are using this doctor to get to where you need to be. You have to make that known but not in a way where it undermines the doctors purpose and ego. So just be a little tactful and be informed.. and don't let because he or she is a 'doctor' dictate where the results of the consultation go.

This will be nothing more than a verbal consultation.. there will be no tests etc going on. Doctors are on limited time -- so just rehearse it, and again treat it like a 'test preperation'.. Know your material, and options.

In other words.. it would be nice to go to the 'doctor' and say I have Aspergers, I need treatment -- what are my options doc? Then have him tell you everything available and have great referrals to give to you on the spot (it does happen).. but be prepared in case the doctor just doesn't have much knowledge in this arena.

If this doctor doesn't have much in the way of referrals etc.. just getting one more 'step' further in the process is a success. Be it a single referral to another doctor of a specialty you know can help. I know psychiatry and psychology are involved heavily with autistic spectrum disorders.. but are you seeking more medical based care like neurologists.. behavioral-neurologists.. etc? Do your homework!

Also, if you and your mother are this timid -- bring whoever you need to direct the conversation. You have to advocate for yourself, and if you cannot do so -- (which is quite alright) find the person close to you who you know is very good with people and such conversation no matter their socio-economic status.. bring them along, and have them jump in to help obtain results.

It really does make a difference to have the right person, the right polite, but forceful personality in the room to make the most of the visit. Remember doctors can't read minds, and you have to keep that perspective in mind -- they come in and ask how are you, what seems to be the problem. Don't expect them to do all the talking.

Also don't get too nervous about it -- Do what you can on your end to prepare for the best outcome.. and then just let what happens happens. Worst case you don't get the results you hoped for initally and have to try again later. That is worst case.. so it is nothing to get worried over.

Take care,



All you need to do is answer the questions honestly. No preparation necessary.

When the GP asks "What can I do for you?", you tell the GP that you want a referral to a specialist because you think you may have asperger's syndrome. The GP will of course want to know how you came to that conclusion and will only refer you if he/she thinks there is evidence of it.

Self-diagnosis is the worst kind of diagnosis.



Just take off your bra and panties and have sex with the doctor.



There is Nothing Wrong with you. What you need is that Be POSITIVE.




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