Well, does she like cuddles? Yes. Does she push her peas off her plate? No.Then she is not autistic

Parents of autistic children rarely bring their child to their GP. One of the reasons is that it is often difficult and draining for the child and parents to attend to a consultation, wait in a crowded waiting room and contain the child whilst talking to the doctor. Another reason is that it is all too rare to receive the support and advice needed, not solely towards autism, but also towards the clinical issues the child may be facing. All too often parents hear in response to their concerns: what do you expect of a child with a neurological developmental disorder? I have been there, and this was a very painful answer to get following my queries regarding the frequent need my son had to pass urine and go to the toilet.

I have gathered countless stories like these from other parents. A mother raising her concerns regarding her 2 year old daughter’s development to her health visitor. This professional responded:

“Well, does she like cuddles?:

Yes

“Does she push her peas off her plate?”:

No...

“Then she is not autistic... “

Or even this one, let’s hear it: A mother came to her GP to query her son’s bowel difficulties and explaining all the symptoms in details asking for advice as whether a gluten-free casein-free diet would be appropriate. The GP responded that she did not know, she did not advice to put a child on a diet but admitted not knowing much about this. A few weeks later, the mother came back to the GP explaining what she did with her son and sharing the outcomes. The GP stopped her, saying, I have to thank you. You have diagnosed me. After hearing about your son's gastro-intestinal symptoms, I investigated a possible link to gluten and found out I had celiac disease. This is a GP talking to a mother of an autistic child.

At least this doctor was honest and opened-minded, we have to acknowledge this.

The article below refers to another type of ignorance towards adults with autism. Many doctors admit they have not learned much about autism in their study, nor have they learned much about nutrition. The ignorance on autism is not solely shared by medical professionals, but is seen across professions dealing with the public. This issue needs to be addressed widely.

GPs don't spot signs of autism

5 June, 2009

By Richard Staines

Most doctors are having problems spotting some of the signs of autism, according to a National Audit Office survey

The NAO says that 80% of GPs polled for the report Supporting people with autism through adulthood believe they need more training and guidance to identify and manage those with autism more effectively. The survey found that due to a lack of specific services, many doctors do not know where to refer people with autism.

The report says: ‘64% told us that they referred adults with suspected high-functioning autism to adult mental health services, and 19% to learning disability services. (A total of) 12% were not sure where they should refer such patients, and only 10% reported that they would refer them to a specialised autism diagnostic service.’

Meanwhile, half of the estimated 400,000 adults in England with autism may not be getting treatment because they do not have a learning disability. This is due to the fact that most services are geared towards people with illness, physical or learning disabilities and mental-health problems.

The report says: ‘Providing specialised support could improve outcomes for this group of people and their carers, and potentially enhance value for money, as the costs of establishing such support could be outweighed over time by overall savings.’

Edward Leigh MP, Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, said: ‘Many adults with autism are slipping through the net.

‘They do not fit into any particular category for which services are provided and therefore fail to qualify for any help whatsoever.’

It is estimated that there are around 400,000 adults with autism in England, half of which have a learning disability.

The NAO study has found that adults with ‘high functioning’ autism, those without a learning disability, are particularly affected by poor support services.

Health and social care services are traditionally catered for patients with learning disabilities, and so those with an IQ of above 70 have difficulties accessing the services they require.

The report calls for specialist teams for supporting adults with high functioning autism and more collaboration between clinical, social and employment services.