• Replies 23 replies
  • Subscribers 84 subscribers
  • Views 5927 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

It's official-I'm one of you!

Boating_taxonomist

Had the second part of my assessment this morning, and have been given a diagnosis. It felt peculiar and wasn't quite sure how to react at first. Sinking in a bit more now, and I feel quite buoyant like a huge weight's been lifted off my shoulder (it's a relief to think the reason that I have so many problems with 'peopling' is because I literally have problems with it, and not just because I'm not trying hard enough or something) but also really tired. God, those assessments really take it out of you. I stupidly booked an appointment with my asthma nurse, so I have to go do that first, and then I might just go home and sleep.

I wish I knew what my ADOS score was, I really want to know and the report will be another few weeks-should have asked. Oh well. The guy said he appreciated my entire booklet with subtitled sections that I gave him because it made it really easy. Also, not 100% on what the official 'label' is-I don't know what the service uses but I think it's ASD or ASC, though the info the guy gave me was for Aspergers in my 'welcome pack' (that's what he called it! Smile)

Going to make me a 1-to-1 appointment at their advice service for a few weeks time (which I think is with the same guy, which is nice), and I'm on the waiting list for the post-diagnostic support group. Told my mum and my best friend (who knew I was getting assessed), and I think I shall tell my siblings and then leave it at that for now.

Parents

  • Um... If it is alright, I actually logged on to say this next sort of thing. Miss Boating-Taxonomist  --- Whatever Happiness, Strength, or Uplift You feel from this Diagnosis, try to remember this/that moment, as if to bottle it. When feeling down or made to do so, just recall such Positives. They can empower You. The best Strength comes from within, via justification and knowledge. (And finally access to extras via the LAW, as I said upon your previous Thread.)

    Yes, congratulations, and not sure what else say just now... but I really mean what I just said. Happiness and Contentment is a very precious commodity...

  • in reply to Disambiguating Cynosure

    I was diagnosed in the August 2017. I was 27 then and I'm now 29. I remember feeling relieved when I found out but it quickly dissolved into panic and sadness. I had an occupational therapist but a few months later she decided she couldn't help and now I am with an autistic charity called MAIN. I have had some sessions from them on what it means and about social skills but I didn't find them of any use. Nearly two years on, I don't feel as positive about my future because I am trying to find a way forward with the charity but I keep getting knocked back.

    I am glad you have clarity and I hope things will continue to be positive.  

Reply
  • in reply to Disambiguating Cynosure

    I was diagnosed in the August 2017. I was 27 then and I'm now 29. I remember feeling relieved when I found out but it quickly dissolved into panic and sadness. I had an occupational therapist but a few months later she decided she couldn't help and now I am with an autistic charity called MAIN. I have had some sessions from them on what it means and about social skills but I didn't find them of any use. Nearly two years on, I don't feel as positive about my future because I am trying to find a way forward with the charity but I keep getting knocked back.

    I am glad you have clarity and I hope things will continue to be positive.  

Children
  • in reply to Runnerbird

    Name-calling is really mean, I'd say that you've gone to the point of bullying. I think maybe we should seek help of a moderator since we are in disagreement.

    I respected your feelings and I was trying to suggest ways for you to look at it from a positive point of view. I agree that it is perfectly valid to feel down after a diagnosis, there are many people who do:
    https://community.autism.org.uk/f/adults-on-the-autistic-spectrum/14522/my-asd-diagnosis-has-ruined-my-life

    https://community.autism.org.uk/f/adults-on-the-autistic-spectrum/12400/negative-reaction-to-diagnosis

    https://community.autism.org.uk/f/adults-on-the-autistic-spectrum/14639/nhs-officially-diagnosed-autism-spectrum-disorder-already-regretting-it

    ,and that was what I thought I would feel too. You may take a look at the thread and find some of what people have said about why they felt bad after being diagnosed resonnate with you. They are very valid feelings, and people have commented and tried to help, either by saying they have similar feelings, or how they came to terms with it over time.

    And I was just suggesting what Disambiguating Cynosure suggested to start a new thread so that you may be able to get more help.

    If you try not to be so cynical, or at least, first try responding without name-calling, then you may feel better torwards others, and other people will feel better when interacting with you. I had responded with good intentions to try to give reasons why a diagnosis can feel both negative and positive, and you've started calling me names, that's very hurtful.


  • in reply to qwerty

    It wasn't my intention to be a negative Nancy and I am sorry if it seemed so. It's no secret that support is hit and miss sometimes and I just wanted to share my experience since being diagnosed. I have a thread going currently. 

  • in reply to Runnerbird

    Hi QuietOne, it's nice to hear a different perspective as well. I've just been recently diagnosed at a similar age, and originally I anticipated that I would feel sad about it (because stigma, hopelessness, confirmation of disability, too lateness, etc). But actually, I feel a lot like what Boating_taxonomist described, like a huge weight's been lifted off my shoulder. I'm not really sure how to explain why I felt this way when I expected it to go the other way. I guess perhaps it's because of a lot of uncertainty has been resolved, and I can finally find an explanation of why some things are difficult, and a diagnosis would serve as a safety net in case I need support, etc. I hope things will turn out better for you. By the way, since this is a reply to a thread, perhaps you could start a new thread with more of how things are going for you, and your experiences with MAIN, to get more feedback and advice in particular to your situation. Good luck!

  • in reply to Runnerbird

    Um... not sure why this suddenly appeared at ME, but I may try something in the way of interaction...

    I have "clarity" but must admit that I am a trifle "anhedonic" (inability to feel enjoyment), as suggested upon my own diagnosis, other than Anxiety and Depression. When I post in this Forum it is only when I feel strongly about something, or I feel strong enough, or know that I CAN help (with experience), or to try something out.

    I prefer to think that most others do so as well, but in this Forum it is perfectly fine to start a New Thread with an ebullition or "Venting" of something or Emotional Release. (This OP is a bit like that.) I think You should start a new Thread and post all of what you say, and mention "MAIN", because, unless this Thread digresses to further discuss that, then I have no experience of that and so cannot offer specific advice.

    (...In short, is this Me, again saying... can someone else help here, Please??)   :-/