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Advise as an adult requesting possible audhd diagnose?

A

Ak1703

New Member
Hey, cutting a long story short, I’ve always knew I was different, and then finally recognised these after having my son, then breaking up with his (10 year relationship) when he was 6 months old. Fast forward 5 and a half year, I have a very clear understanding and acceptance of how I am, which some accept and some create regular confrontation about it. I never saw a need for diagnosis because I managed well etc, however as daily demands grew, things became harder, some of my possible audhd traits created problems and tension with close friends and family. I firmly stood my ground for who I am, like it or lump it, which resulted in loads of many friends, however I grew to appreciate those sticking many ky even more.

The reason for me seeking a diagnosis is from the wncourgament of my mum to seek help. My son and I have been living with her for 6 months due to our house flooding, during this time she’s witnessed first hand my many audhd traits, and although used to fob off my links she is realising the genuiness of my actions and behaviours. I he main one being my fatigue and sleep issues, as feel they are affecting my life, as well as my sons. Although I’ve seen a doc many times for this, often resulting in folic acid it never properly helps. I know now she’s 100% behind me on this, however I know many others will doubt my decision to seek diagnosis due to my own xcellent masking ability etc. I don’t have energy to defend myself constantly so I am Keeping it private until complete.

This is where I’m looking for advice or personal inputs, as I’m so nervous and unsure how to go about asking my GP for the refferall. Although hand on heart I know my symptoms are real, and having impact on my life, I feel I will be greeted with ristance, especially as I’m looking for 2 different diagnosis. I’m aware children go through the neurodevelopmental pathway where there then assessed for wide range of things, however I’ve been unable to find anything similar for adults, so insisted if I have to go through two seperate assessments etc. basically any help or advise as I do this would be amazing?
Thank you Amanda x
 
The way I went about it in my day, which admittedly was several decades ago, was to get my GP to refer me to someone in the psychology department. It required me to present to the GP as my truest self, fully displaying my anxiety within the meeting and dropping all my inward and outward shields.

I described how I felt like I had always come from another planet and never fit in growing up, that any success I had in life was due to hiding aspects of myself that I purposely kept from others. I guess I was convincing enough for I received my referral. Then, it was essentially the same thing all over again with the psychiatrist.

Things may have changed a bit since then, but honesty in your presentation is a must. Drop all masking with everyone on your way to a diagnosis and be open and truthful with them. There are no guarantees, but that is the place to start.
 
Ak1703 said:
Hey, cutting a long story short, I’ve always knew I was different, and then finally recognised these after having my son, then breaking up with his (10 year relationship) when he was 6 months old. Fast forward 5 and a half year, I have a very clear understanding and acceptance of how I am, which some accept and some create regular confrontation about it. I never saw a need for diagnosis because I managed well etc, however as daily demands grew, things became harder, some of my possible audhd traits created problems and tension with close friends and family. I firmly stood my ground for who I am, like it or lump it, which resulted in loads of many friends, however I grew to appreciate those sticking many ky even more.

The reason for me seeking a diagnosis is from the wncourgament of my mum to seek help. My son and I have been living with her for 6 months due to our house flooding, during this time she’s witnessed first hand my many audhd traits, and although used to fob off my links she is realising the genuiness of my actions and behaviours. I he main one being my fatigue and sleep issues, as feel they are affecting my life, as well as my sons. Although I’ve seen a doc many times for this, often resulting in folic acid it never properly helps. I know now she’s 100% behind me on this, however I know many others will doubt my decision to seek diagnosis due to my own xcellent masking ability etc. I don’t have energy to defend myself constantly so I am Keeping it private until complete.

This is where I’m looking for advice or personal inputs, as I’m so nervous and unsure how to go about asking my GP for the refferall. Although hand on heart I know my symptoms are real, and having impact on my life, I feel I will be greeted with ristance, especially as I’m looking for 2 different diagnosis. I’m aware children go through the neurodevelopmental pathway where there then assessed for wide range of things, however I’ve been unable to find anything similar for adults, so insisted if I have to go through two seperate assessments etc. basically any help or advise as I do this would be amazing?
Thank you Amanda x
Click to expand...
You probably can't just walk in and say you are autistic. Take a few self evaluation quizzes and use that as evidence. RAADS and The Aspie Quiz are the best as far as I know, and generally recognized as valid (at least around here). Other people here may suggest other alternatives. The more evidence you bring in, the more likely the doctor will take it seriously. Don't let the doc just dismiss it ("its just a female thing") unless he gives you good, solid medically justified reasons for doing so. Then find another doctor who will listen.
 
Hello & welcome, @Ak1703.

In your OP, you keep referring to "audhd." Do you mean ADHD, autism or something else...?
Also, telling us which country you are in can help us to direct you to accessible resources.
 
Where I live it is a lot harder to get a diagnosis as an adult than a child under the age of 18. My son was in his 20's and was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis, and his specialist had children with ASD so he told my son that he thought he had ASD. We had gone to his regular doctor which she also thought he had ASD but she just said he had high anxiety, and also my son's specialist for his migraines had told his regular doctor that my son had the most anxiety he had ever seen. The only person around this area only diagnosed children under 18 but she agreed to see him through a referral from his doctor and try to diagnose him but it wouldn't be legal diagnosis, so then we were told by her that he needed to go to a neuropsychologist, they are the only ones who can diagnose adults. With her diagnosis she was certain that he had ASD, So we had to wait 3 months to see this Neuropsychologist and after 2 hours of testing she sent us her decision which was borderline Asperger's, avoidant personality disorder and High anxiety syndrome. I would say from start to finish it took us going through different people over a year to just get the diagnosis. (1 1/2 years)
 
Crossbreed said:
Hello & welcome, @Ak1703.

In your OP, you keep referring to "audhd." Do you mean ADHD, autism or something else...?
Also, telling us which country you are in can help us to direct you to accessible resources.
Click to expand...
AuDHD was new to me too.

"AuDHD is a relatively new unofficial term that describes a person who has both autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thus, the merging the terms Autism and ADHD into AuDHD."

'Mum' narrows it a bit. ;)
 
Welcome! I agree with the above comments in general - start by putting together a list of things that you feel warrant consideration, and bring it up with your GP.

They may or may not be receptive, and depending on what resources are available where you are, it may still be a long journey yet - it's not unusual for adults seeking a diagnosis to spend several years on a waitlist, and even then, especially for women, if they encounter someone who may not be as familiar with diagnosing adult women, they may end up being misdiagnosed or turned down.
 
hey, sorry I’m just catching up on your responses, and very much appreciate your advise. I’ve completed multiple tests online, all indicating that I fit a variety of different things, so tbh seeking help from go I want to keep an open mind and would love not to focus on one thing in particular. I do in particular I feel adhd and autism fit best, and from personal research say the term audhd, but apologised if I’m using it wrong, however I do feel there could be more to it than just that. Which is a reason I’m a bit worried about speaking to my gp. I am based In the uk, on particular Scotland.
I think my next step will be to document everything so I don’t forget anything when calling. Thank you
 
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