Advice with diagnosis

Hi Adam, 

I was at Uni when I realised that I actually might be Autistic. I read a few books that confirmed it for me. 

I had a diagnosis through the NHS so will explain my experience. Private may be different. 

Luckily where I live you can self refer which is what I did as my GP told me that there is no way I'm Autistic. 

Once reffered they told me that it would be around 18 months waiting time but quicker if you can attend a cancellation. They asked for my parents details as the assessment relies on evidence of someone who knew you as a child, it is still heavily based on childhood traits. 

At my first appointment they asked me why I thought I was Autistic, what I was like as a child at school and home, sensory issues, friendships, food, behaviours etc. Also asked about my life now, why I think I am Autistic, what are my issues etc. I was told it helps to make a list of all the points that you want to raise which point to you being Autistic, make a case for yourself. It lasted about 2 hours. They then spoke to my Mum about my childhood. 

Second appointment was in two parts. Questions again about my life, my relationships, sensory issues, behaviours, going over my childhood again and my reasons for wanting a diagnosis. Then I had to look at pictures and tell a story, read between the lines of a storybook, discuss some more pictures and describe what I see (I found all this weird but again, it is heavily based on a children's assessment). It lasted about an hour/hour and half. 

I tried really hard not to mask as I was afraid they wouldn't see the 'real' me as I have built up some very good social skills over 46 years on this Earth. But they did see me, and I received my diagnosis on the day verbally, and in the post a few weeks later. 

I had burnout at Uni and had decided to take a year out to explore my diagnosis but Disability Services were very helpful at the time and continue to be now. I have study support and a specialist mentor to offload on. 

Best thing I ever did for myself was getting diagnosed. I am now thinking of exploring an ADHD diagnosis as I think I have that too! 

GIod luck Adam. 

Hi Adam, 

I was at Uni when I realised that I actually might be Autistic. I read a few books that confirmed it for me. 

I had a diagnosis through the NHS so will explain my experience. Private may be different. 

Luckily where I live you can self refer which is what I did as my GP told me that there is no way I'm Autistic. 

Once reffered they told me that it would be around 18 months waiting time but quicker if you can attend a cancellation. They asked for my parents details as the assessment relies on evidence of someone who knew you as a child, it is still heavily based on childhood traits. 

At my first appointment they asked me why I thought I was Autistic, what I was like as a child at school and home, sensory issues, friendships, food, behaviours etc. Also asked about my life now, why I think I am Autistic, what are my issues etc. I was told it helps to make a list of all the points that you want to raise which point to you being Autistic, make a case for yourself. It lasted about 2 hours. They then spoke to my Mum about my childhood. 

Second appointment was in two parts. Questions again about my life, my relationships, sensory issues, behaviours, going over my childhood again and my reasons for wanting a diagnosis. Then I had to look at pictures and tell a story, read between the lines of a storybook, discuss some more pictures and describe what I see (I found all this weird but again, it is heavily based on a children's assessment). It lasted about an hour/hour and half. 

I tried really hard not to mask as I was afraid they wouldn't see the 'real' me as I have built up some very good social skills over 46 years on this Earth. But they did see me, and I received my diagnosis on the day verbally, and in the post a few weeks later. 

I had burnout at Uni and had decided to take a year out to explore my diagnosis but Disability Services were very helpful at the time and continue to be now. I have study support and a specialist mentor to offload on. 

Best thing I ever did for myself was getting diagnosed. I am now thinking of exploring an ADHD diagnosis as I think I have that too! 

GIod luck Adam.