Feeling low after assessment.

I had my assessment yesterday which took place over about 3 hours. I was asked lots of questions by 2 psychologists and another psychologist spoke to my parents, I also had an ADOS assessment. I have been really anxious about going, so I expected to feel much better once it was over. I don't know the outcome yet, I should find out in the next 2 weeks. Although the psychologists were really nice, i found discussing all the things I struggle with has left me feeling quite low and not too good about myself in general and I was wondering if other people have felt the same after the assessment?

Parents Reply Children
  • Have you thought about doing something like dog walking for a job? There are a few people who live near me who do it for a living. 

  • Yes, just like a baby in a pram! People come up and make a fuss of Izzy and are gentle and quiet because she is shy. It is lovely to see her wagging her tail and showing excitement being outdoors. Now I just need to find a job where I can take her to work with me, or work from home. 

  • Yes Izzy does not know how to play and would not even pick up a toy. I hid some treats in a Tupperware container with a toy on top and eventually she picked it up with her teeth. She can do sit and stay a bit now too. When she first met other dog she she totally ignored them, as if they were not there, now she will have a little sniff! 

  • It sounds like 2 will be good for each other. I'm sure she'll enjoy getting out and about more often now and walking is a great way to de-stress. I know what you mean regarding the social aspect too. I can imagine it's like pushing a baby around in a pram, everyone speaks to you but at least it's about something in particular.

  • She sounds like so much fun! And I find the more exercise, the calmer the dog. You'll probably find brain training games are good for calming her down too Relaxed

  • She loved the beach! It was actually the death of my last dog that triggered the crisis that led to my autism assessment. I love Izzy's smell, especially her paws! If I could bottle it and spray myself with it I would! When she came back from the vet after being speyed she smelt 'wrong' for a couple of days.

    Izzy is like a demanding personal trainer and gets me out of the house when I don't feel like it. She also helps me socialise in non-stressful ways with other dog owners. She can be noisy at times, which is not good, so I am thinking of getting ear defenders. Because of her difficult early life she is extremely anxious. Exercise seems to be the best way of helping her calm down (and me!)