Assessment jitters

Hi all,

I'm in the admittedly fortunate position that I may be able to get myself assessed in the next couple of months but I'm not sure I can go through with it.

All the stuff I've read about autism in women sounds like my life story, but I know from experience with NHS/MH conditions I'm unlikely to be believed as I'm still in work and therefore "fine". 

The assessment team mostly focus on speaking to an informant - I have no close friends (the people I know, I mask in front of) and my parents are in their 80s and say I was normal as a child because I was like them.

I don't think I can face going through an assessment only to be told I'm delusional because they're relying on a short test with me (ados) and reports of me masking.

Any advice?

  • Hi

    I was in a similar situation to you and expecting exactly the same as far as 'there's nothing the matter with you, you're fine, just a worrier/over analyser/dramatic' which is what I've come to think of myself. I did apologise to them before the first assessment if I was wasting their time. The assessor was lovely and said regardless of outcome it's your turn to find some answers and it won't be a waste of time at all as you will have an answer. I also really didn't expect a diagnosis without an informant and I didn't have one for similar reasons as you.  I don't know what an ados is or all the methods of testing so I can't help with that I'm afraid but just be you. I don't know about others but the two assessors I had were very lovely and put me at ease. I hope the same for you too. Best of luck with it.