Finally have assessment appointments-really nervous

Hi, I had my assessment a few weeks ago and I felt really anxious leading up to it too for similar reasons to you, it turned out to be a positive experience. My only advice having done it was that I wished I'd arranged to have someone to come and meet me after the assessments - I was given a diagnosis on the spot at the end of a day and my anxiety levels had got very high so it would have been nice just to have someone I knew well to meet me afterwards. (you might already have thought of this but thought I'd share in case not!). I hope it goes well for you.

Hi, I had my assessment a few weeks ago and I felt really anxious leading up to it too for similar reasons to you, it turned out to be a positive experience. My only advice having done it was that I wished I'd arranged to have someone to come and meet me after the assessments - I was given a diagnosis on the spot at the end of a day and my anxiety levels had got very high so it would have been nice just to have someone I knew well to meet me afterwards. (you might already have thought of this but thought I'd share in case not!). I hope it goes well for you.

Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who has replied in such a positive reassuring way.

I don’t post often here now, I miss it so very much. 

May I  share a story with you, it will be quite long but as I rarely post I am sure you will allow me some leeway Lol.

AND SO,,,,,,,,,,!

I was recently working in a large town and knew there was an ADHD and AUTISM diagnostic and support centre nearby, for two days I kept thinking I should just pop in and see what information I could get.

Just doing that made me very anxious, procrastinated about it, decided I would, then talked myself into saying “ there won’t be any parking available”  or “ I really haven’t got time”.

I drove up to it, drove  into the small car park , yep full up, ah well better just drive off! My works van is far to big anyway !

my work colleague said hey just pull up here I will sit in the drivers seat and move if needs be!

oh ok then erm well if your sure?, the time is getting in we might get back late?

no you go he said we are here now. And you kept saying you would. Be a real shame not too, 

I got out and started the slow long walk towards the centre, I was sweating, my breathing was fast, my heart was pounding I was a bit of a mess really, 

but I kept going, opened the door and walked into the small reception waiting room.

The receptionist was busy on the phone, 

I casually looked around at fliers and leaflets, feeling more and more anxious.

finally the receptionist finished her call and said “ hello how can I help you?”

erm well I was just passing and wondered if you had any information I could take about getting assessed.

 We do she said, I will print off a copy of the process with costs for you.

off she went, 

well there was a women and a young boy sat on chairs nearby, Suddenly a kind looking women came out and said to the little boy, “ Hello you must be ********* have you come to have a little talk with me.? You will be perfectly ok as mummy will be just outside my room and I will leave the door open so you can see her” would you like to talk with me?

off they went , I turned to the women and asked “ is the young boy being assessed?”.

The women replied “ Yes he is my son and this is his first visit, I want him to Be assessed as he needs as much support as is possible”.

I replied he is lucky as there is a lot of hel0 and support if you try hard enough, not like it was when I was a young boy. He will be fine I am sure.

Thats very kind of you to say that thank you, and with that she asked me if I was autistic? 

I automaticaly said “ Yes I am but not yet formerly diagnosed”.

her reply was “ Oh wow I am only just diagnosed myself and you are the first autistic person I have ever met, may I touch your hand?” I reached out and smiled as we touched fingers, she then said I know not all of us like to be touched which is why I asked you before I reached out.

she also added she liked to hug but only children, but she was aware of others she knew who didn’t feel happy hugging anyone.

Then asked if I liked to hug? Erm not really, but well yes but only recently as I found out all about autism, I felt more able to hug but only if I felt it was my choice and It was me asking for a hug. I have never been one for being grabbed by aunties or relatives, always struggled to get away, they enjoyed “ embarrassing “ me.

She did not ask  for a hug ,,,, phew,,, although after our chat I think I would have been happy too, it didn’t happen though.

Then what followed was a very enthusiastic exchange, like two young kids bubbling with excitement Lol.

 It was so lovely, no feeling of being anxious at all, for me it felt like finally meeting one of the many members I share so much with on here.

We both talked over each other as we enthusiastically shared traits, not liking crowds, being overwhelmed by to much noise, always having felt alien like and never quite fitting in. Her finding it difficult to maintain any jobs as she couldn’t get on with the adults 

She was a member of a couple of sites for autistics, one more for  parents and a local one more for adults  and enjoyed talking with people she felt Understood her and she them.

It was a brilliant first meeting, her poor husband walked in after finally parking his car, he just sat down and smiled as he watched us both so excited. Bless him he knew how happy she was and it was ok by him.

I wished her well said if you ever get a chance come along to the NAS site as she would find it very friendly.

Told her I had been here for about eighteen months now and it was a wonderful place to be.

THE END,,,,,,( thank you for letting me share my little story)

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I do intend to be assessed when I get chance too.

It really helps to reassure when reading so many varied but positive replies.

I replied to “river” as I think the idea of having someone you know really well is a really good idea. Just knowing your not all alone before during and after has got to be so helpful.

I will remember that when I finally get round to being assessed myself. 

Just need to find that someone special that truly knows me. 

Take care everyone, your all amazing and you help so many including me by just being YOU.

much love to all x()x

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