Published on 12, July, 2020
Hiya!
New here, I'm Lynsey
So I'm 29F and thinking more and more over the years that I may be on the autistic spectrum. I've sat and compiled a list this evening so definitely thinking a lot more seriously about it.
I guess what I'm wondering is if going through the process of an assessment is helpful. The thought of going to my GP is very overwhelming but would do it if I thought it could help.
I'm curious if anyone out there has found that it benefited them.
So the questions that I have are:
How was the assessment? Was it hard to be taken seriously as an adult?
Did the outcome make it easier to navigate life?
Did knowing the reason for certain difficulties bring comfort/understanding?
The official assessment is very beneficial. I'll offer three different reasons.
1 - You may or may not be on the spectrum. If you are, this will confirm it, but if not, it'll be an important step towards understanding what it is that's causing you problems instead
2 - When people finding out you have autism they can be dismissive. "Oh, everybody on Twitter thinks they have that." If you tell them you have an NHS diagnosed disorder they take you seriously.
3 - Right now you have a level of uncertainty. An official assessment will give you a far more informed start point for making any changes that you think might help, and will give you a whole new perspective on almost everything. That doesn't mean everything will suddenly be easier, but it should make it easier to cope when things do go wrong.
Your GP should be receptive to your concerns, especially if you help them understand the challenges you're facing and why finding out the cause will help you greatly improve your quality of life. Being an adult isn't a barrier in terms of being taken seriously, but may be a complicating factor when it comes to funding for the assessment (and particularly any subsequent professional support). My GP had to escalate to the local health authority to pay for my assessment as the only facilities were elsewhere, and it took many many months.
But the outcome has made it much easier to navigate life, and far less stress and distress since.
I agree with all these points. Especially the one about finally confirming whether you are in the spectrum. Then you can start wasting time and look for better ways of helping yourself. Even if I will never use an official assessment for anything else than keeping it in a folder, it at least gave me closure and direction.