Published on 12, July, 2020
It’s coming up to the 1st anniversary of my diagnosis, so I thought it needed a thread.
Here are some pertinent facts.
Wait time from GP referral to diagnosis: 10 months (total)
Age at diagnosis: 60 years
Date of diagnosis: 2022
Method: private company via NHS
Health Authority/Company: Surrey and Borders/Harley Psychiatrists
Response upon diagnosis: positive – it gave me a context for why I’ve ‘failed’ at various stages during my life and a ‘get out of jail free card’ for choices I now make.
Feelings a year on: similar. I have a context for everything.
However, there are times when I do think about, if I was diagnosed earlier, or if I wasn’t autistic, how different my life might have been.
I wonder if others would like to share their diagnostic experiences, and if not diagnosed, whether + for how long on a waiting list (+ with which authority) or if you are self-identified.
We may be able to gather some interesting or useful data along the way
I am waiting and am told it will be 12 months. I may look at alternatives. For me understanding that I am autistic explains pretty much everything I was told was 'wrong' with me growing up. I am pleased to have a context for so many feelings and behaviors, which now make sense!
I haven't time to think about diagnosis at the moment as my focus is on my new job, which begins in September. I haven't had a regular job for 6 years and am not sure whether I'll cope, I hope I will. I will be working with autistic children, which I consider worthwhile. I am both excited and terrified!
All the best both with your diagnosis, and your new job.
New jobs can be very daunting but once you've been in it a while and it's more familiar, hopefully the challenges will lessen.