• Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 82 subscribers
  • Views 855 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Taking a friend to a diagnosis

DiffidAnt

Hello,

I wonder whether I can ask for advice. I've got a diagnosis appointment coming up, and I'm thinking about asking a friend to go with me. This might be a good idea because in new situations, I don't always explain myself articulately. Furthermore, I don't always act in my own best interests. However, because of past incidents, I am adverse to telling people private things about myself, particularly about the very personal topics that are likely to be discussed during a diagnostic process.

I've recently met an autistic person, and find that I can talk to that person much more freely about these topics. However, it might be an imposition to ask that person to go with me to the diagnosis, given that I don't know them very well. Furthermore, I would be worried about upsetting my friend by asking someone else, as it might imply that I didn't trust them.

I find these kinds of decisions very hard to make. I wonder whether anyone else has experience of taking someone with them to a diagnosis, and what they found the advantages and disadvantages to be. Thank you.

Parents

  • It would be better to go with someone who knows you, such as a friend or relative, especially if they can put their own observations in or talk for you if you struggle.  You may feel at ease with the autistic person you just met, but they might not know you enough to assist, or they might find it difficult themselves.  Try not to overthink it, pick who you feel is best and stick with them.  Also, write down all the things that you feel might make you autistic before you go, so that you don't have to try and remember during the assessment.  If possible, get the friend/relative to write down things as well - but if they don't know then it doesn't matter.

Reply

  • It would be better to go with someone who knows you, such as a friend or relative, especially if they can put their own observations in or talk for you if you struggle.  You may feel at ease with the autistic person you just met, but they might not know you enough to assist, or they might find it difficult themselves.  Try not to overthink it, pick who you feel is best and stick with them.  Also, write down all the things that you feel might make you autistic before you go, so that you don't have to try and remember during the assessment.  If possible, get the friend/relative to write down things as well - but if they don't know then it doesn't matter.

Children
No Data