I've got my autism assessment tomorrow morning and my mum has her part about me on a separate day this week. I'm so so scared and nervous and just don't like the unknown.
But also I'm not sure how I want the result to go. Because if I am it's for life with no treatment or suport really
But if I'm not then why do I display all these trates ect.
How long in the UK do people wait for results?
And what suport is there in the uk?
Is it hard to get the suport?
I never guessed that I was until a medical professional mentioned that I displayed like I had. Only looking into this has now opened my eyes into that I very much could be.
And not sure I know who I am anymore
Written by
Rugby3
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Facing the unknown is very nerve-wracking, I get you! I think it's important to remember the assessment isn't like a test or an exam. It's a process that can help you learn more about yourself and how your mind works, regardless of the "yes ASD" or "no ASD" outcome. All you need to do is be you!
I feel that if you are diagnosed with ASD, that doesn't mean it has to define you. You are still the same person you were beforehand. If the medical practitioners decide they think you do have it, then it's simply putting a term to the unique way your brain operates. Labels can make us feel like we are assuming a new identity, but they're just stickers on the person that we've always have been and always will be. Sure, that person will evolve and grow as we all do as we get older and wiser and weirder(!), and we slowly understand more about ourselves as we go too. We're always in the process of getting to know ourselves better, it doesn't matter if we're 21 or 91.
The thing is with ASD is that it's a spectrum, so everyone's experience is slightly different, much in the same way that people who don't have the condition are all different. If you imagine all your neighbours on one street, how many of them are all exactly the same in the way they behave, emote and act? If you find that the professionals don't reckon you have ASD, then you could always ask them about the reasons why, and ask to discuss things. They may even suggest what they think you do have. There's lots of behaviours that overlap, ADHD is a cousin of ASD for example, while some folks are shy, and sensitive, and seem like they present a lot of behaviours but don't fall on the spectrum officially or never get diagnosed. Though I'd be aware of things like internet diagnoses, like people analysing film characters and considering if they have traits or not. I would avoid those, as it starts to generalise a very nuanced, subjective condition. It's important to remember everyone is complex and nuanced and your mind is it's own wonderful thing, never just a list of traits.
When I was diagnosed 6 years ago in the UK, I had to wait about 6 months for results. I'm not sure how the post-covid system is operating, but that would be my ball park. Any earlier, then hey that's great!
As for support, it depends on what you feel you need support with. There are support groups, sometimes face to face, depending on the area in the UK you live in, plus plenty of facebook groups too, and various different services out there, depending on the needs people have.
I'd recommend having a chat with the people in your diagnosis session to find out more. When I got my results back they included some details about support near me too.
There's also the National Autistic Society, which is a good go to. You have to dig a bit but they have some good resources. For example a directory of Autism Support Community Centres:
I had a phone call later the same day with my results, because they knew I found it difficult waiting/not knowing. This was with Autism at Kingswood. The draft report came through a couple of weeks later for me to read over and return, then the final report was sent to me and my GP surgery a few weeks later.
How did it go this morning? I hope you are feeling better for getting past it.
I know this is a bit of a different way of looking at things but, my middle daughter recently went for an assessment and was told there that it was more Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Dyslexia and not ASD. Two health professionals had previously said about ASD so, it may be that you have similar traits to ASD, like her or another diagnosis' that may be considered too such as ADD or ADHD.
If it is ASD, there is support. The National Autistic Society are are good place to contact and sometimes they run local groups. There are also face book groups in some areas if that is something that you feel you would find useful.
It went ok this morning it seemed very strange some of the questions and trying to tell the story 'Tuesday' I was so bad at it he kept having to help me! But my part is over now and I should get the results in 3 ish weeks so will just have to see what that says!
Thank you for all 3 of your response I really appreciate it and I will have a look at the suggested places.
Hi I got my results after a week. I felt exactly same as you. Once I was told I was autistic It took me a while to accept it. Because I was only diagnosed at 51. I hope everything goes well for you
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