Son recently diagnosed with Severe Autism and Learning Disabilities. Querying my own diagnosis of BP (after manic episode on med

Hello jojo123,

I am not sure what the best way is - I got a charity to help me with the GP and then got a referral to the Maudesley hospital in London.  I would be cautious of going to an average GP without appropriate support.

I have met a few people with a diagnosis of BP, where I wonder if they have underlying Asperger's etc. - and if you feel that you are on the spectrum, it is worth looking into (I was diagnosed last year, aged 36).

Damian - Community Champion

Hello again,

I think I have had a similar journey to yourself regarding diagnosis - my son was diagnosed aged 2 (now he is 7) - and he is very similar to me, yet 'non-verbal' (although he does use words etc.).

I think that people can be depressed or have BP whether on the spectrum or not, although some are misdiagnosed (also this happens with diagnoses of schizophrenia).  The point I guess is getting a referral to somewhere like the Maudesley.  Is there any support groups in your area?

Damian - Community Champion

Hello,

I got help from the Kent Autistic Trust - and also saw a second GP as the first one wasn't very sympathetic or aware of autism.

What do you mean by 'needing therapy where nothing seems to work'?

I think realising that I was on the spectrum was more of a breakthrough then getting a diagnosis, yet I feel that it is better to have one, as how others see 'me' starts to match-up more with how I see 'I'.  It has been useful in a few social situations to say that I have a diagnosis - it also makes me laugh to unsettle people when they perceive me as 'capable' and then I tell them - one inevitably gets the response 'oh you must be very high functioning or mildly affected'...etc.

I understand about your son's selective mutism - I tend to only speak if I think I have something useful and of substance to say - my son is motivated to speak by his appetite for food and to a smaller extent his need for exploration - 'open door' - 'go out' - 'carry up' etc. - when he can be bothered he can name most animals.  He can also finish off lines from his favourite rhymes and songs from memory.  He wouldn't do this for most people though and treats many as furniture, and so I know a very different person to the one often perceived by outsiders.  Measuring him against developmental milestones makes no sense whatsoever - he is a uniquely intelligent human being (and lovely to boot!).  I feel privileged to share time with my son, and it is without doubt the most rewarding relationship of my life.  It is nice to hear that you have a similar relationship with your son.

Damian - Community Champion

Hello,

Ah - I see what you mean - rather then 'needing therapy' - this is more about a better self-awareness from diagnosis etc. - although I have been to some pretty low places, I don't think it 'saved my life' - yet it has certainly been beneficial to me to get a diagnosis!  I think self-awareness, autonomy etc. - are fundamental to a contented outlook on life, so I guess it is a form of 'self-therapy'?

It is funny that my son is labelled 'non-verbal' as speech is one of his favoured methods of communication - somehow the labels just don't really work (other than a general one like 'autistic spectrum'.

Yes - I am on facebook - are you 'friends' with Elena, if so, you could probably find me on there.

Do you live in Kent?  Have I met you before???  KAT were quite helpful in getting me a referral - I got...oops...forgotten name at the moment (faces and names...it will be in there somewhere!)...any way - ah yes - DW (if that makes sense) did a mini assessment and then wrote a letter to my GP.  Yes - bring it up with JB and I'm sure they will try to help you.

All the best,

Damian - Community Champion

p.s. would you be interested in doing a research interview and/or survey for me (see 'Member Interviews' / 'Ask Damian' / or 'Research Survey (Damian)' strands).