Autism & Doctors

[Evil Genius]

So I had a doctor that basically tried to blame a meltdown I was having due to frustration on being manic. He's stopped listening to me now, saying "that's the mania talking". Anyone have a similar occurrence? What did you do to counteract?

 

[Major Tom]

I would find a new doctor... Mine is pretty good and seems to have a good grasp on what high functioning autistic behavior is like, and he actually listens. Try and find a doc like that. I know its hard to do, but it is possible.

 

[Gritches]

It happened to me once. My doctor said I was either manic or on drugs. I was just happy and full of energy, but she didn't think I was capable of being that way. I swore I wasn't on drugs and I wasn't, so she just decided I was "manic". When I came back the next time, heavily medicated but just as "manic", she upped the dose.

So I went to a different doctor who was actually pleased to see my smiling face instead. There is no arguing with someone who just attributes your every word to "mania". You cannot win at that point; you can't even dig yourself out of the hole to reach level ground.

 

[Mattymatt]

So I had a doctor that basically tried to blame a meltdown I was having due to frustration on being manic. He's stopped listening to me now, saying "that's the mania talking". Anyone have a similar occurrence? What did you do to counteract?

Time to kick that doctor to the curb. As a man who is disabled, I generally look for female doctors because I have had a much better experience with them. I've found them to be generally kinder, gentler, and more understanding - easier to talk to and (by an order of magnitude) less judgmental. Going to the doctor's office is already anxiety-provoking, the last thing I need is for a doctor to worsen the feeling. My primary care provider carefully explains what she's going to do before she touches me. I know what she's going to do so I don't feel jumpy or nervous.

 

[Evil Genius]

It happened to me once. My doctor said I was either manic or on drugs. I was just happy and full of energy, but she didn't think I was capable of being that way. I swore I wasn't on drugs and I wasn't, so she just decided I was "manic". When I came back the next time, heavily medicated but just as "manic", she upped the dose.

So I went to a different doctor who was actually pleased to see my smiling face instead. There is no arguing with someone who just attributes your every word to "mania". You cannot win at that point; you can't even dig yourself out of the hole to reach level ground.

Part of my problem is I'm in the town where all my family is, and this doctor knows my family and goes to my church. On top of that, my wife accused me of doctor-hopping until I got the answer I wanted. Lots, and lots, and lots of social and interpersonal potholes in this situation.

 

[Evil Genius]

I agree with @Major Tom , it's time to find another doctor . . . if possible.
I add ". . . if possible" because I've encountered significant difficulties locating one.

With that said, are you referring to a regular doctor or a mental health practitioner?
If the latter, you may want to check out this thread:

https://www.autismforums.com/threads/do-you-trust-your-therapist.7968/#post-132453

Regular doctor. I actually just found a decent therapist.

 

[Judge]

So I had a doctor that basically tried to blame a meltdown I was having due to frustration on being manic.

Sounds like a stretch on your doctor's part short of your being bipolar comorbid to your ASD.