Feeling low after assessment.

Hi there my experience was similar to yours - it was good to feel I was actually going to find out whether or not autism was an issue for me but the assessment process was really tough. It meant thinking about stuff from the past that was painful. I really struggled with the tasks in the ADOS-2 assessment too, and came out feeling angry and upset. A couple of weeks later I got my ASD diagnosis at the age of 58.

What I have been doing since then is focusing on things I have achieved and things I find it easy to do. This is helping get my sense of self back in balance. Because the assessment is seeking to identify 'deficits' we are at risk of ending up feeling faulty. We flourish if we are allowed to communicate, live and work in ways that meet our needs and play to our strengths.

Hi Sunflower. I found the ADOS really tough, especially when I had to make a story up with 5 items, it took me ages to think of anything at all. I was also hypersensitive to the fact that I was being tested and that they were looking for certain responses, if that makes any sense. I think you have the right idea to focus on the positives after spending so long thinking and talking about any difficulties. I hope you are starting to feel better now after your diagnosis. 

Yes, feeling much more positive now thanks.

I did lots of things over the last 58 years not knowing I was autistic.

I wouldn't attempt some of them again now - simply too stressful! - but I can still do lots of useful stuff. 

Yes, feeling much more positive now thanks.

I did lots of things over the last 58 years not knowing I was autistic.

I wouldn't attempt some of them again now - simply too stressful! - but I can still do lots of useful stuff. 

Thank you. It's good to know I'm not alone. Thank you so much for your kindness, I really appreciate it .I will let you know how I get on. 

That's an exact description of what was going on in my head a week ago today... I was actually really cross as well as nervous in my ADOS because of the confusion over the start time. Everything you are thinking and feeling is perfectly normal. I hope that at 12 noon you get your diagnosis  - it is wonderful to let go of the anxiety and start feeling better about things. 

I think it is a good sign that they are giving you feedback so quickly. Fingers crossed! 

Good luck, we'll all be thinking about you at noon! 

I keep going over and over the assessment in my head, trying to second guess the outcome, i'm really annoying myself now. I am a bit concerned that because I was so nervous on the day that I didn't act naturally and that they didn't get a true reflection of who I am. I think i am also a bit sceptical as the ADOS test didnt confirm autism in my son, whereas 5 years later a few visits to CAMHS did. If I don't get the diagnosis then I'm not sure what I will do. I have gone through the NHS and I think you can ask for a second opinion. I suppose I will look into it if I feel I need to.

I had doubts too. The psychologists are very good at piecing together evidence from questionnaires, tests and observation. Recognising I had lots in common with people here reassured me I would get a diagnosis. I think I might have sought re-assessment using DISCO if ADOS-2 had not been conclusive.  

Yes, true. I am really not sure what the outcome will be tomorrow, I do have my doubts that I will meet all the criteria for a diagnosis. I will have to wait and see. 

Thank you! So glad you are getting your feedback quickly - it is a relief to discover our struggles in life were real, not some kind of weakness. 

So glad to hear that. You should be proud of yourself for getting so far without any help. Just think what you can achieve now you know more about yourself.