Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I am a woman in my 30’s. I have 5 kids and a full time job and am set to go for my ASD assessment next week. I am really nervous. I have hid things my whole life, my crazy ruminating, bizarre thought processes, constant criticism of myself. At this point I am hoping the assessor will be able to see beyond my mask and help me.
I have been asked to bring with me my school reports which arent remarkable. I was a good student, pleasant, so nothing to really see there.
I have read up on the difference in girls with ASD and am really hoping that the diagnosticians are prepared for that type of presentation for I definitely don’t scream out that I have ASD. Well according to my family and friends yes I am quirky and they wouldn’t be surprised if I get a diagnosis, but others who don’t know me well just see me as normal. Is there anything I need to know before I go or has anyone any idea what I should expect? G
This post really interested me. Can I ask why you felt you needed a diagnosis? What sort of help do you think you might need.
If there was no need for a diagnosis, why would anyone seek one. As with any condition there are characteristically things people will struggle with. I’m not an expert on autism so I don’t know how others cope with the things I struggle with therefore I sought a diagnosis to see if there is a more helpful way than the way I muddle through if it is autism I have. That’s it in a nut shell really. Can I ask why this post interested you?
This is the fifth time I’ve started to write a reply!
In a nutshell, I’ve just had the realisation I am autistic. It hit me Friday out of nowhere. I don’t actually want to believe it, but I can’t stop thinking about anything else. I don’t know if I want a diagnosis. I haven’t told anyone yet, and I don’t know how anyone can help me. I feel I’ve got this far (I’m 45) and am very set in my ways. To say I struggle with life is an understatement.
I’m simply feeling shell shocked. I don’t feel I have strength to deal with it anyway, as I am putting all my energy into my daughter who has her assessment tomorrow. She the priority for now.
Thank you for your response. What you have written sounds very familiar. I will try and read some of your other posts too, along with other people’s.
My daughters assessment was today. I’m glad it’s over. We did and said all we could, but I’m not hopeful for a diagnosis, as they feel her social skills are too good, or she’s masking very well. Such a difficult experience. We sat there, and she was talking in her monotone voice throughout. Soon as we get outside into the car, she’s talking normally. I just wish they could see things like that. She’s good with expressions and things, but behind the surface she’s deadpan, if you know what I mean?
I thought they would see through it, but obviously not .
In the session without my daughter, they were keen to address my new found knowledge, and did ask me a few things about my past and struggles. They suggested once things are settled, I should seriously consider coming for an assessment. They did also say it was really common for things to come to the surface when children are being diagnosed.