Is my gp supposed to refer me for autism testing?

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Lanceeselhombre
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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.


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Redxk
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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
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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.


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Mona Pereth
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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.


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AnonymousAnonymous
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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.


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