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should i reach out about mental disorders in year 13

i want to talk to a GP my concerns about any mental disorders i may have, i.e autism and dyslexia
which may be assisting my struggles during A levels but is it worth talking to one if its January and my exams are in May-June? I feel like the waiting time would be too long and informing my Head of Year of needing anything (extra time, talking to someone) would be too last minute. also ive already sent my ucas out with no extenuating circumstances if i did

Reply 1

Original post
by doomspire
i want to talk to a GP my concerns about any mental disorders i may have, i.e autism and dyslexia
which may be assisting my struggles during A levels but is it worth talking to one if its January and my exams are in May-June? I feel like the waiting time would be too long and informing my Head of Year of needing anything (extra time, talking to someone) would be too last minute. also ive already sent my ucas out with no extenuating circumstances if i did

I think you should definitely still try. I'm also trying to get extra time for a mental health related issue - so I understand a little of what you're going through. My Head of Year said if I started now I would have extra time in time for exams - so maybe it would work if you did it too? Anyway I hope things work out for you!

Reply 2

Original post
by doomspire
i want to talk to a GP my concerns about any mental disorders i may have, i.e autism and dyslexia
which may be assisting my struggles during A levels but is it worth talking to one if its January and my exams are in May-June? I feel like the waiting time would be too long and informing my Head of Year of needing anything (extra time, talking to someone) would be too last minute. also ive already sent my ucas out with no extenuating circumstances if i did

honestly it is worth doing so, im in a similar position with adhd and even being in the process can put you under consideration in your education cus schools know how long it can take to get a proper diagnosis (ranging from months to even years). and with the ucas definitely ask for advice by teachers, as this is what i did. another thing you can opt for it the rtc (right to choose route) which could speed up these wait times to get a diagnosis so definitely look into that if you are interested!! hope this helps :-)

Reply 3

Original post
by doomspire
i want to talk to a GP my concerns about any mental disorders i may have, i.e autism and dyslexia
which may be assisting my struggles during A levels but is it worth talking to one if its January and my exams are in May-June? I feel like the waiting time would be too long and informing my Head of Year of needing anything (extra time, talking to someone) would be too last minute. also ive already sent my ucas out with no extenuating circumstances if i did


Hi,

It’s definitely worth reaching out to a GP if you’re concerned about possible conditions affecting your learning. Getting an assessment can help you manage things better, and even while waiting for a diagnosis, your teachers or Head of Year can be informed so that any necessary support can be arranged in the meantime.

At university, there are options like DSA and other support services, and you can still let them know about a diagnosis even after submitting your application.

Hope this helps,

Tayba
Student Rep
Original post
by doomspire
i want to talk to a GP my concerns about any mental disorders i may have, i.e autism and dyslexia
which may be assisting my struggles during A levels but is it worth talking to one if its January and my exams are in May-June? I feel like the waiting time would be too long and informing my Head of Year of needing anything (extra time, talking to someone) would be too last minute. also ive already sent my ucas out with no extenuating circumstances if i did

GPs don't normally get involved for SpLDs like dyslexia - normally these are diagnosed by educational psychology specialists. If you think you might have dyslexia I would see what screening is offered through your school for it. Your GP is probably not going to be able to do much about that.

For the autism side it's probably reasonable to talk to your GP about it as a first step :smile:

Remember the point of doing this would be to assess if you do have that condition so that going forward for the rest of your life you can ensure you get appropriate support. Not to get specific extra time during your A-level exams in a few months?

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