Nervous - My autism assessment in a few days

Try it ! what do you have to lose ? It's not going to be an interrogation . No one is going to shine a light in your face and demand something of you , it's more like a conversation, a chat . It's going to be with someone who understands, who knows how to approach and talk to people with ASD so you don't need to feel pressured. 

When the interviews are over you'll either get a diagnosis there and then or you'll get a phone call for a follow up appointment after it's gone to a panel for discussion and agreement . After that in a few weeks you should receive an Assessment report via E-mail. 

Good Idea I may do that 

Why not write a poem about it ? if it helps you put down all your thoughts and feelings 

Thank you. I live for certainty . That is such a good point, I am very different on my own and like to spend a lot of time on my own to recharge. I love to write poetry that is my outlet, so I am currently writing down as much as I can ready for my appointment

2 weeks ago ! so quick. It was horrible waiting 3 years , being told you're Autistic but not knowing for certain. I much prefer certainty .

So your main worry is whether you're being your true self . Isn't that something you now have time to think about ? Do you think you are more your true self when you're alone , where there is no judgement or hassling ? It certainly is for me . Maybe you have this time to get to know yourself again and accept who you are .

Writing things down might help. I did formulation with my Psychologist and it's really surprising how things have more clarity when you write them down .

I'll be thinking about you and I really wish you nothing but the best  

Thank you. I was only referred 2 weeks ago, so it was a big shock to get an appointment so quickly. I have completed the questionnaires and also sent some other info that I had done with my therapist. My main worry is I am so good at masking I get confused as to what is real me if that makes sense? I am terrible at knowing my true thoughts and feelings. But I will try and stay calm take my time answering and do my best. 

Hello Salsa

I had to wait three years for my assessment and then all of a sudden I had an appointment and was sent lots of questionnaires that had to be completed and returned ( Via E-mail ) within a few days .

Anxiety , annoyance and rattled is an understatement having it all thrust upon you in such sort notice . Then I had my assessments ( Via a zoom call ) - One was for an hour and the next was for three hours . Looking back I wish I had made notes about my feelings and struggles, there were things I wish I had said but I had forgotten , I have a habit of remembering things after the event and I feel like I am lying or misleading when I say ' I just remembered ! ' 

My advice is take control. Speak calmly , slowly , think about your answers , don't feel rushed, Have a glass of water or juice with you if you need too and just be yourself . Remember they are not just listening to you , they are also watching your body language , your eye contact , hand gestures ( Or lack of ) Just try to relax , breathe , you've been waiting for this moment , it's here now . Don't pressure yourself or hide anything . 

It's very ... exposing . All those little 'Quirks ' you hide from others you have to show them , you have to lay yourself bare and show them who you really are . It's tough but it's also very important because it's about YOU .

I wish you well and I hope everything goes well. Please leave us all an update too if you can 

Good idea

I asked for a break halfway!

Thank you for your information and tips. I have been told mine is in two parts, one on Thursday for 2 hours another 4 days later for approx 3 hours. Mostly worried I will get overwhelmed if the questions feel to intense for me.

Yes, notes about my quirks! He told me at the end of the assessment that I met the criteria for diagnosis, so you should find out on the day.

I had an initial assessment with the GP, then a second and final assessment with a psychiatrist.

Thank you Mine is online too. When you mean made notes do you mean of all your difficulties quirks? I have written a list of these. How long do you wait for your results? Did you have two assessments? Sorry loads of questions, one of my quirks! 

Hi ya. I had mine last Saturday and I was also very nervous! I made lots of notes as I knew I would go blank when the asked me questions, so preparing really helped me.

They ask some odd questions, but humour them! Don't worry if you get stuck on anything they ask, I got the impression that they expected some questions to be tricky. 

The guy I had conduct my assessment (it was online) was really nice and calm, which really helped. The whole thing took approximately two hours.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer!