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Finally have assessment appointments-really nervous

Boating_taxonomist

One in 10 days time (blimey!) and one a week later. Have a questionnaire with lots of vague open ended questions to fill in and send back; I think I'm going to have to sit down and make some preparatory notes before I fill it in so I don't miss out details (and either write really small or consider adding some extra sheets, there's not a lot of space for answers).

Struggling a bit with a question on 'why now to get assessed?' There's so many different intertwined things, and mostly I think it just didn't occur to me that my problem might be that I was on the spectrum (the basics I knew about it didn't sound like me...it was only because I came across an article about women who'd been diagnosed in later life that I had a lightbulb moment).

Relieved to finally get an appointment (been a 9 month wait) but feeling rather more nervous than I thought I would (getting jitters just thinking about it, no idea how I'm going to get any work done between now and the first appointment).  Maybe that's not a bad thing, can't mask when I'm anxious (probably why I fail interviews so often!) I am more worried about not getting a diagnosis than anything. I'm 99% sure I'm on the spectrum, and I really need the support at uni...also I imagine I'll feel a bit stupid having to tell other people the outcome if it is a 'no'...

Parents

  • Must have taken me a good couple of hours to fill out that questionnaire after I'd already written some preliminary bullet points for each question. I've got 13 pages of notes I wonder if I should include with the questionnaire (there is a box for 'any other comments?'...my stack of info probably comes under that), or give it to them at the appointment?

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  • Must have taken me a good couple of hours to fill out that questionnaire after I'd already written some preliminary bullet points for each question. I've got 13 pages of notes I wonder if I should include with the questionnaire (there is a box for 'any other comments?'...my stack of info probably comes under that), or give it to them at the appointment?

Children
  • in reply to Boating_taxonomist

    Send the notes, in my opinion the more evidence you can give the better.  And also keep a copy to take with you to refer to at the appointment if necessary.

    At my assessment appointment I was allowed to say what I wanted in practice and not just stick to answering questions.  The meandering on and off topic is part of being autistic.  An autism diagnosis is not anything like a job interview thank goodness!

  • in reply to Boating_taxonomist

    The psychologist who assessed me as autistic last year said I couldn't give her too much information - so I sent through all the additional notes I made. I think this really helped her in deciding that I met the diagnostic criteria and in making recommendations in her final report. You might find it reassuring to know that virtually everyone who self identifies as autistic ends up getting diagnosed, so if  you are 99% sure you are almost certainly right. I'd send through the notes now - anything that speeds up the process is a good thing.  Very best wishes to you for a positive outcome.