well written post
I'm with tourettes ^^^, having worked with children and adults in the UK with ASD, and in the health system for many years, I see where you are coming from, I've heard your story in many guises. There ARE psychiatrists out there who know about this stuff, as there are those who don't. There are teams who have knowledge and resources (usually scarce).Depends where you are.

The best thing you can do for yourself is be informed, link with the Autistic Society and whatever local resources there are that can assist with this diagnosis if this is what you need. There's more to the ASD's than just the social interaction angle, yes its a huge indicator but there is the language side of things, and supposed to be something around compulsive/obsessive patterns also? People are not a list of tickboxes and have unique traits that may or may not even be indicative of ASD, thats probably why its so tricky to diagnose in the first place.

I agree with you on the depression thing, from what you write, it sounds reactive, to a particular event or situation, and as you recognise, its important to deal with the route cause rather than overprescribing. Sometimes doctors prescribe antidepressants to get people over the initial hump and functioning, then deal with the other stuff later. I wonder if it would be worth reconsidering your decision on the 2nd visit, even if you don't hold much value on it. There's nothing to stop you sourcing the 2nd opinion and finding a doctor that is recognised for having some knowledge in the ASD's in the meantime, you'll probably have another wait for this. At least your records will read as you've been playing the game.

People are so ignorant, as we've seen here, some real dicks who can't handle anything slightly outside their narrow perception of how they believe things should be. Its true, if doctors/people in the field are so ill-informed, then Joe Public may well have a bit more difficulty with understanding or just plain acceptance. Hang in there

edited to say, persistence and patience is what gets you places in the system, sad but true, don't be afraid to kick up a fuss, keep everything in writing if you can and don't be afraid to take things higher if you truly believe you have a just cause.
(maggotriddendirtbox fast, feral and sharp as a tack since, Tue 1 Jul 2008, 1:51, Reply)