Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi All
Looking for a wee bit of help and advice.
I recently went for an autism assessment and got my results back yesterday and not sure what do to now, if anything.
Basically, the assessor has advised that I am not on the autism spectrum and provided me with some of the reasoning behind that decision.
To give a little bit of background about myself, I am in my early 40s and a couple of years ago, my then 16 year old son was diagnosed as being autistic which made me start to look at my own behaviour over the years, so finally decided to get an assessment.
One of the issues I have with the results of my own assessment, is not the outcome in itself, but the reasons provided for the outcome.
They mainly focused on what I was like growing up, stating the fact that I had friends going through school and that I performed reasonably well in school and I didn't show signs or hand flapping or rocking back and forth and movements like that. The assessor mentioned that I was very likeable during the assessment as well.
One of my concerns is that my son doesn't present any of those traits either, had lots of friends at school, was really well liked by his teachers, can come across really nice and friendly, in general, but he is absolutely on the autism spectrum.
I was mainly expecting to be told I was autistic, I have stimmed most of my life, I have a very limited diet, I have no close friends, actually have very little friends at all and have struggled for the last 25 years in making friends and some other things as well.
So my question is, what should I do now, is there any point is requesting a second opinion from the same organisation that have already stated that they don't believe I am on the spectrum or just accept their diagnosis and try and move on and do what I can?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
That is really disapointing to hear as I am in my 50's and awaiting an assment. It is the childhood stuff I don't get, whats that got to do with the problems I have now. I could also be classed as 'likeable' I can also hold a conversation, I had friends at school, not many but some and I only stim in private.
I do wonder if professionals struggle with diagnosing adults after spending the majourity of their time with kids. Do they understand we have had years of fighting this to lead as normal life as we can? Some of us have held down jobs all our lives, have wives/husbands, families, mortgages, own businesses etc. None of that makes us less autistic than somebody who constantly stims, and had had very diffrent life outcomes. One things for sure when I get my assment I will be piling it on and holding back nothing.