Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all,
I've recently joined the community and I'm seeking some advice, I'm 26 years old and have always been fairly certain (along with my family and my GP) that I'm autistic. I finally decided to seek a diagnosis as I want to try to find out why I am the way I am and hopefully come to some form of acceptance and find some coping mechanisms. After a year long battle, I finally have my autism assessment at the beginning of January and I'm really nervous.
My mum is coming with me in order to tell the assessor what I was like as a child and any other bits I'll probably be too nervous to remember at the time!
I just wanted to know, has anyone else had a diagnosis as an adult? What is the initial appointment like? Will I have to go back a few times? And just generally what to expect.
Anything you can tell me would definitely help to calm my nerves so thank you in advance!
I had my assessment and got my diagnosis last week and I was so nervous about going. I think most people probably are to one degree or another. The psychologists were really nice and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible. Mine lasted about 3 hours, I was asked loads of questions and had to do some table top tasks aswell, while someone else spoke to my parents.
As a few other people have said, the assessment process is different in different areas etc so it could be worth contacting them and asking them what to expect.
I jotted down quite a few notes before I had mine as I was worrying my mind would go blank on the day. Luckily my mind didn't go quite as blank as I expected but the psychologist took my notes at the end of the day anyway and read them when I had left. When I went to the feedback meeting she said they had been really useful.
I have already written down some notes I was planning on taking so I'm glad they should find them useful. I'll definitely forget something if I don't write it down!