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Any advice for diagnosis assessment next week?

Biblio44

Hello,

I have just joined up. This forum is a great idea, as I can talk to like minded people without having the stress of actually meeting you. I am a 42 year old married woman with 2 children. I first considered having a diagnosis about 18 months ago and the day is nearly here. My assessment appointment is on Monday afternoon. 

I am starting to feel very anxious about the appointment and just wondered if anyone has any (hopefully positive) advice?

I am worried the consultant will tell me not to be so ridiculous, of course you're not autistic. However, I have read a lot of books on the topic and taken a lot of online autism tests which have all come back with high scores.

Part of me really wants the diagnosis as it will make so much sense of my life and difficulties. But another part thinks if I do get a diagnosis, my husband and family will think differently of me (negatively). 

I am starting to wonder whether I am doing the right thing.

It would be nice to hear back from someone who has been in a similar situation, or anyone.

Thanks

Parents

  • Hi Biblio, I was diagnosed a month ago at 52, so I can relate to the "being in two minds" and also the anxiety.

    The consultant won't (or at least shouldn't) tell you not to be ridiculous! It's natural and common to feel unsure at this stage (in fact probably diagnosis plus or minus one year!) from my own experience and what I've read here.

    Obviously, be yourself. If you're really anxious, try to see it as a day out and a chat with someone about one of your favourite subjects? 

    I was anxious, because I wanted the diagnosis. But I also wanted an objective assessment perhaps even more, and this helped me to relax; provided I could come away without kicking myself for not mentioning X,Y or Z or not having behaved like the true me, I could be content that I couldn't have done more to get a "true" result.

    Not sure if that helps but at least you've heard from someone who's been through it recently :-)

Reply

  • Hi Biblio, I was diagnosed a month ago at 52, so I can relate to the "being in two minds" and also the anxiety.

    The consultant won't (or at least shouldn't) tell you not to be ridiculous! It's natural and common to feel unsure at this stage (in fact probably diagnosis plus or minus one year!) from my own experience and what I've read here.

    Obviously, be yourself. If you're really anxious, try to see it as a day out and a chat with someone about one of your favourite subjects? 

    I was anxious, because I wanted the diagnosis. But I also wanted an objective assessment perhaps even more, and this helped me to relax; provided I could come away without kicking myself for not mentioning X,Y or Z or not having behaved like the true me, I could be content that I couldn't have done more to get a "true" result.

    Not sure if that helps but at least you've heard from someone who's been through it recently :-)

Children
  • in reply to I'm done with Christmas Cards

    Hi, thank you for replying. I agree, I really want an objective assessment. I keep thinking 'I must mention this..and that..' Your advice about seeing it as chatting to someone about a favourite subject is helpful, thank you. It is strange, I want them to see the real me but it is so hard to stop trying to act normal. I would never normally speak about a favourite subject to a stranger, as they would think I was weird and get bored. I would also never tell anyone about the mannerisms I have (I think may be stimming?) or knowingly let them see me do it. It is hard to think I will have to let my guard down for the assessment or I will appear too normal!

     I just can't wait to get it over with. At least then I will know one way or the other.

    It definitely helps to hear from someone who has been through it recently.

    Thank you :)