Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm trying to get myself to a point where I can go to the doctor and ask for a referall for a diagnosis. I decided to start by writing down all the reasons I think I am autistic. I wanted to include the AQ test result. I find some of the long AQ test questions (50 questions) difficult to answer.
For example:
Having written this I've concluded that I'm probably really over thinking this but I like things to be right. Anyone else had an issue with the AQ test? Any advice?
I can sympathize with you on this. Sometimes I feel like I can answer the questions differently one day from another, sometimes even the same day. Looking at the questions, they are more of a guideline.
When I sat down with a doctor from the Autistic diagnostic service he spoke to me about it, and that on balance, it is also about how you feel about yourself, combined with other factors. It was very interesting seeing the things they picked up on from my body language, movements, eye patterns etc.
Also I had an appointment where I had to take someone who knew me well, so I took my wife, and that really opened my eyes a lot.
Its worth making a note of all the things you feel and want to ask
Ye I'm trying to make a list but i feel like its getting too long. I need to get my gp to refer it first so I'm not sure how much detail to take to them. I've got to pluck up the courage to actually do it first. The other thing that bothers me is I also tick quite a lot of boxes for adhd so do I bring up them both at the same time or deal with one thing at a time.
I don't like the idea of having to take someone who knows me well. There isn't anyone I feel like I could ask.
I don't think you have to take anyone with you. For me that came several meetings down the line. I think that the fact you are wanting to learn about yourself is half the battle. You can only understand things better with more knowledge, and getting some perspective can also open a whole world up for you. For me, finding out that I had autism was such a relief, rather than going through cycles of anti depressants, and wondering why I didn't quite fit in properly. Also its such a relief not to spend all my days trying to copy what I think I should be like from people around me.
Thanks. It's why I want to do it really. I think I will feel better knowing for sure. It's just taking that first step that's so hard.