Hey everyone. I’ve been lurking here for a while as I go through my own process of learning about Asperger’s/ASD and getting a diagnosis. I’m now close to seeing a specialist for the first time so I’m looking for some advice to help me prepare.
I’m a PhD student based in Glasgow, Scotland. For a long time I brushed off the possibility of having Asperger’s Syndrome/ASD, even though I’ve known for pretty much my whole life that there was something “different” about me (I’m in my mid-20s now), which given my experiences goes beyond simple eccentricity or quirkiness. After reading about people’s experiences and worldviews, I felt galvanised to seek out advice and a diagnosis.
After a chat with a couple of folk at the uni’s disability service (one of whom is autistic themselves), they recommended that I compile some information for a GP based on resources from the National Autistic Service’s website.
Following this, I compiled the document, cross-referenced with a few people who know me well (boyfriend, couple of friends), and mustered the courage to take it to my GP. She was very understanding and gave me a referral immediately to the local Community Mental Health Team (basically to see a psychiatrist), and I will have an appointment within 1-2 months. She said that they have a “high threshold for assessment”, which is the part which has me most worried/nervous. I don’t believe I am severely autistic (if I am indeed judged to be at all by the psychiatrist), and I’m an adult, so my fear is that my case will be looked at with scepticism since I am fairly intelligent and can usually cope with day-to-day life on the basis of this. The worst case scenario for me is to walk away none the wiser about myself after all the work I’ve put into this.
If anyone has any insights, comments, or anecdotes, I’d be grateful if you could share them.
