My Initial Assessment Journey so far...

So after a year of waiting I notice my phone ringing, a number I don't recognise, yet oddly I pick it up.... And I'm so glad I did! It was a cancelation for my initial assessment. Now less than 24 hours away. As soon as I put my phone down I realised what this meant. Instead of receiving a letter giving me 6 weeks notice, it's now tomorrow. It stressed me out so much I had to get into bed with the doors and curtains closed and my hood up..

I planned my journey (by car) on google maps, using street view to recognise places of significance - turning right at a set of lights for example. When I got there however, the road I wanted to go down, was no longer a road, damn you, Google! I ended up parking at a place I had not planned. And because of the traffic and weather, later than planned too. My head was a bit chaotic at a time I needed to be clam. 

When I got to the clinic, however, I was pleasantly surprised. I got a glimpse into what the world could be like if it were built for autistic people. The signs directing me to the building were clear and precise. As were the signs on the door telling me to push it (even though it really looked like a pull door!), reception was clearly marked, the place was dimly lit, very quiet and there were zero odours. The receptionist gave me clear instructions and I knew what was expected of me and there was no idle chit chat. 

The actual assessment was not a pleasant experience. Saying things out loud to a new person made me realise just how different I am, even though I'd been over those things a million times in my head.. I couldn't believe it wasn't picked up when I was younger.

Something weird happened, I had no mask - like I'd completely lost the ability. One worry I have is that I'd act that "normal", as I do everyday to fit in, that my autism would be missed. But in fact I'd never felt so autistic in my life. I don't know if anyone else shares this experience? I felt almost like a child, vulnerable and alone. It was like she could see straight through me, I couldn't relax at all, it was all very stressful. The lady who did the assessment was lovely by the way.

I was told my diagnostics session would be some time in June. With all that's going on in the world now, I'm concerned that, after getting lucky, I'm going to have another long wait before my journey finally concludes.... I'm getting quite good at waiting though, and happy to carry on waiting, we all need to do whatever it takes to see this pandemic through. There are far more people in need than myself right now. (Don't want this post to come across as selfish). Just thought I'd share my experience.