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Worried

NigelN

Hello I have taken too long to come here to see if anyone can offer help, I just been told my appointment for my ASD will be Thursday over the phone, but I am now worried and overthinking it, I have some things that would belong in the ASD, I did some online tests and yes I know shouldn't do them, but all said the same I show signs of Aspergers and should visit my GP just to test one of the tests I answered the opposite of whatever I answered, and the results were different.

I'm worried as its a phone appointment what to do what to say, what if this happens, what if they ask me a question I cant answer. I have even started questioning my self do I have it, my partner doesn't think I have it, but I don't share everything I normally just bottle it up (have done all my life) but it has taken me far too long to seek help or advice, I have some OCD traits, I like to plan everything and I get Anxious if my plans are changed or it something happens suddenly, I don't like lots of noise or loud noise, hate crowds or not having an escape, I will stay awake at night overthinking, I have some social things that people say I do, I stare way too much while they talk, I always talk about the same thing, and I become clingy.

To be honest, I have become quite depressed and anxious over the whole thing and with everything going on atm and looking for support from people, or anyone, I don't have friends I can talk to.

Sorry for my grammar or spelling (used a app to spell check).

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please stay safe everyone

Oh and before I forget when I go to the shops (only when I need to) my anxiety just goes through the roof, I panic about being in the shop the new oneway systems (can't go round the shop like I normally would) then as always people getting to close, all of this doesn't help when I get to the till.

  • Hi NigelN

    when you're assessed you can arm yourself with a reminder list of your traits in case you forget some.

    It's best that you think of yourself on a not-so-good day , because all of us can have good days but that gives a false impression of getting through life. Otherwise the results can be a bit different reflecting good and bad days.  

    That is not cheating  - many of us have gone through it and questioned ourselves exactly in this way. The assessment process and aftermath is one of the most common thread topics, and no wonder.

  • Hi, Nigel. It sounds like we have a lot of similar experiences (I also have OCD traits and have a lot of sensory sensitivity, as well as the same issues with shopping). I'm also awaiting adult diagnosis and had an initial telephone assessment a couple of weeks ago. If it helps, the assessor was very friendly and reassuring. She gave me the time I needed to answer questions and didn't mind repeating them if I needed her to. My best advice is to make a list of all the examples you want to give (e.g. struggling with sensory issues in shops), then you have some examples ready in case you're struggling to think on the call. Also, try to just be yourself. Tell them that you find telephone conversations more challenging and let them know if you're struggling to interpret a question - if anything, that's good, because it's more evidence for them. 

    I hope the call goes okay - stay safe. 

  • in reply to Beefree

    Thank you for the reply, believe it or not I was worried I wasn't going to get a reply, I know I need to give people time but I couldn't help it.

    I have a reckless that has two rings I can twist and hold my late mum's ashes that comfort me a bit so might have it on when they call, as you read I am worried they will say I don't have it or that its something else, I'm mainly looking for answers to why I think the way I do why do I act the way I do.

    I have been bullied and never understood why (in school) now I'm 30, even now when I look back its hard to see why but other things make sense when I read up about ASD, such as being in a room I cant exit (exams) I was put into a separate room with extra time and could go outside whenever I needed to,

    My mum did take me to see if I had ADHD as a child but I don't know what happened with it all and its too long ago to get medical history on it.

    Thanks again.

  • Hi welcome to the forum.

    I can understand your worries completely.

    I was diagnosed in my 30s and only a few people I know weren't surprised by it......due to successfully masking and avoiding situations for my whole life.

    I was really anxious about my assessment. I worried more that they would say that I wasn't autistic. I also worried that I would not be able to answer questions and that I wouldn't understand what they were asking me (as this is a common problem when meeting anyone for the first time until I have analysed their communication style and formed a pattern of how I should communicate with them). But the lady doing my assessment was really good, made me feel relaxed (as possible) and gave me plenty of time to answer questions....if I didn't know the answer it was ok...(it probably gave some indication of my difficulties).

    From what you have written we share many of the same difficulties....

    Remember to take time to do the things you enjoy and help you relax....

    I hope you find this forum a source of support and guidance....it has helped me lots through the process of diagnosis and am grateful for all the amazing people here.