Healthcare worker's opinion on autism

[Grondhammar]

Two days ago, I was in my GP's office for an annual wellness check. We talked about various things, and then (because they ask about psychological health at these things) I mentioned that I had officially been diagnosed with autism.

He got this irritated look on his face. "Autism, autism, autism! Everyone's getting diagnosed with autism! You're not autistic. If I took the tests I would show up autistic. Anyone would. No. Real autistic kids have a lot of challenges, and autistic adults... well, they're drug addicts, criminals. You're not one of them."

To which I put a big smile on, and replied proudly, "I absolutely am, and I'm so glad to be one of them!"

I may have been red-faced, and my heart may have been going a thousand beats a minute, and I may have been holding back a tirade. But I left it at that, and walked out. And I may have had a complete tear-filled meltdown sometime later.

Keep fighting the good fight, fellow Aspies. There's a lot of progress that's been made, but that battle certainly isn't over yet.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Seems that someone is suffering from an unhealthy dose of ignorance. If he had spent time doing clinical rotations in a children's hospital, working with autistic children, he probably wouldn't be that way.

You can't fix that. Move on.

 

[Gerald Wilgus]

My primary care physician was the one that recommended I see a psychology practice that specialized in Autism. There I was diagnosed and received help with intrusive thoughts. He and I have always collaborated for my health, both physical and mental since he knows my background of training and experience.

You should not stay with a physician like that. Find a good practitioner who has your best interests at heart.

 

[Tired]

Oh he will fit right in in Serbia! It's the same mindset here, that autistic = heavily mentally and/or intellectually disabled.

 

[vergil96]

I wouldn't tell a GP or a doctor who isn't a psychiatrist tbh. Too much risk of discrimination.

 

[TBRS1]

Holy cowpies, people like that still have a public facing job in the 21st century?

I think it is awesome that you are standing up to that person, and that other folks are doing that in other places and in other ways as well.

I think it becomes a little bit easier because we now can form communities and talk to each other.

 

[mw2530]

Wow, talk about a clueless doctor. You didn't fit what his image of what autism is. You handled the situation well. It must have felt so invalidating in the moment. Sad that this individual went to medical school and as I would expect more from someone like that. But anyone can be ignorant I guess. Ignorant, yet think they know for sure they are right.