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What changed for you after assessment?

Autumn

Hi al, 

My therapist has suggested I might be autistic, and having done some reading it sounds like I may be able to ask my GP for referral for an assessment.

On the one hand, I'd quite like to be diagnosed - I felt a huge sense of relief just when he even suggested it; it felt like it would explain me to myself. But on the other hand, if they told me that I'm not ASD then I'd be back to having no explanation for being the way I am. 

Maybe it's best to leave the question unanswered?

My best guess (admittedly based on google research) is that I have some form of ASD, but not severe.

I don't need support with general day to day living - I'm talking to the therapist due to difficulty making friends, finding relationships, and frustration with work. 

Would a mild ASD diagnosis change the way I approach these things? What changed for you after you were diagnosed? What additional support was available?

Any thoughts appreciated!

Thanks

-A

Parents

  • I find it interesting that you feel you don't need support but simultaneously access support. 

    I've not had a diagnosis, I'm at the same point as you, but since recognising that autism may explain things about myself I have realised that I do need that type of support. I'm successful in my career but my difficulties with unpredictability and the need for routine are definitely a big wall for me. I'm also struggling in some ways with the pandemic as I've got a new job and cannot see my team so I have nothing to mirror, and therefore I don't know how to act, but on the other hand I love being in my house working from home every day as it is a bit of sanctuary for me. 

    I really hope to gain understanding of myself from both myself and others. My difficulties with emotions has definitely caused problems in other jobs and I really want to thrive in this new one, not just survive (cheesy, I know)

  • in reply to M

    I suppose when I say I don't need support in day-to-day living - I was reading into what kind of support is available for people who struggle with autism and I found a lot of resources around financial benefits and practical support with living arrangements - I don't feel those things are applicable for me. The support I do access is counselling which has been invaluable in managing anxiety and stress at work. 

    Maybe it is cheesy but I know what you mean :D I feel like I 'function' at work but never quite got rid of the suspicion that everybody thinks I'm 'weird' so I never feel properly comfortable or settled.

    good luck with the new job x

  • in reply to Autumn

    I think the therapeutic support is an important feature of autism support, but perhaps less readily available than the practical support so there is less emphasis on supporting autistic people in that way.

    New job is up and down. Who knew it was so difficult to make friends when you know nothing about them to mirror?! I thought I'd find it easy but I've realised normally when I make online friends I seek out people with shared interests. I feel like I'm flailing around desperate to make a friend.

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  • in reply to Autumn

    I think the therapeutic support is an important feature of autism support, but perhaps less readily available than the practical support so there is less emphasis on supporting autistic people in that way.

    New job is up and down. Who knew it was so difficult to make friends when you know nothing about them to mirror?! I thought I'd find it easy but I've realised normally when I make online friends I seek out people with shared interests. I feel like I'm flailing around desperate to make a friend.

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