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Considering getting a diagnosis

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Hi, my name's Kitty, I'm 16 years old. I think I have autism. My mum and I have discussed this and are considering mentioning this to the doctor and asking about getting a diagnosis.

 

I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on this subject, as I have no idea what to do and could really use the help. I've done a good few tests online (I know they don't count as anything like a diagnosis but I thought it might give me an idea), and they all say that I have aspergers/autism. I have difficulty socialising, I sometimes have problems eating, eye contact with people I don't know/don't like makes me uncomfortable, I struggle to follow aural instructions, just to name a few symptoms. Is there anything I need to know before I visit the doctor?

 

Also I live in Buckinghamshire. I thought I'd mention that as I think the process of getting a diagnosis might vary from area to area.

 

I'd be very grateful for any help

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Hi Kitty

 

Have you phoned the National Autistic Society Helpline to ask for some advice? If you go on their website you can find this number and also lots of information about what Aspergers and Autism is and the various 'symptoms'. They also have information or suggestions about how to go about asking for a diagnosis but I would suggest you actually speak to someone for advice too. If your mum is supporting you in this it will also be very helpful as normally parental input is required as part of the diagnostic process.

 

Lynda :)

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Hi kitty, yes making an appointment with your doctor is a good start you could get referred then to the appropriate professionals. Also as Lynda said getting in touch with the NAS is another good idea.

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I think personal level it great you can sit down be open and honest with your mum about what you feel your issues are what causing them it sounds like you and your mum have close relationship which will deffo. 'Help' when comes too assessment asking questions on family background/structure , how school was for you! Etc and sometimes because you 'live' with it everyday don't seem to 'spot' or clearly notice 'anything' but others on outside do! So may help taking your mum along with to the docs if she aint already! Just incase you're anxious or nervous and skip/miss information/details! I think the decision to do it now is "right" as with puberty and all changes fast "hitting" approaching can be quite a hard /difficult time and "shock to the system" this is where support of your mum comes in too! Good luck! There can be many difficult emotions/thoughts that come up are raised but get to the "right answers" have to be faced head on! X

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Hi Kitty I just wondered if you had been to the doctor's as yet and if so how did you get on?

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Thank you all very much for your replies (: I am going to the doctor's in a few minutes actually, and my mum is coming with me. Today we're probably just going to mention symptoms and ask about getting a diagnosis and what it would involve. I haven't gotten in contact with the NAS, but I'll talk to my parents about it (there's no way I'm phoning them myself, I am terrible over the phone).

 

I will post again on here when I get back from the doctor's to let you all know how it went. Thank you again for your replies, I wasn't really expecting anything and you've been really helpful

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Hello again. I went to the doctor's, and it went fairly well, I think. I mentioned a few of my symptoms, and I told her that I'd taken a few tests online, so the doctor told me to print out a couple of tests and bring them with me to show her. Unfortunately the only appointment I could get is in a couple of weeks time, but it's better than nothing.

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Hi sorry to hear you have to wait a couple weeks before you can see your GP again that seems a long time! Hope all goes well though.

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That's some progress though, which is great!

 

What might also be useful, as others here have done the same, is to write down how you feel your autism affects you. Things like sensory issues, how you feel about social interaction - that sort of thing. I suggested to another new member that it might also be useful to keep a diary over the course of a week and note down any issues you are having because of things you encounter. It's a great way to put across how you feel, and also will back up why you feel you need to go for referral.

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That's a great idea - I will start the diary on Monday. The only thing I'm not sure about is whether to bring my mum in with me. She's great, and she's quite helpful, but I also very often find it hard to get a word in edgewise, and as I'm trying to talk to a doctor about my own issues, that might not be such a good idea. I don't really know how to say no to her, though.

 

Again, thank you for your replies (:

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Ive also got a mum who would get in the way of my appointments. possibly your mum is also asd but she could also be very nervous.

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Hi Kitty,

 

My mum came with me to see my GP 3 weeks ago. She didn't stay for the whole appointment, she came along just to give some information that I couldn't- stuff about my early years and childhood development. After that, she went back to the waiting room and left me with the GP. Maybe your mum could do something similar? It may well be necessary for them to get information at sometime about your early years development.

 

Good luck! :)

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Hello all

 

I've just gotten back from the doctors. I decided to go on my own, which I'm quite proud of because it's something I've never done before and it makes me feel like a Responsible Adult. The appointment was actually quite short, I just mentioned a few issues (socialising, eating, etc) and gave her a couple of tests that I'd taken online. She gave me a form to fill in that I have to give back to her and she'll send it to CAMS. So I've made some progress already :)

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Well done Kitty and i hpe cahms can help you. There is a campaign about raising autism awareness called 'you need to know' based on cahms services.

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