Published on 12, July, 2020
Last week I was surprised to hear that I was to be NHS assessed today. I've been waiting for around 1 year and wasn't expecting to hear anything further until this time next year at the earliest, so it was a bit of a shock, but also great that it was finally happening.
I've suspected that I am autistic for around 18 months and have been advising people (friends, family, work) that I probably am autistic, but did feel a little uncomfortable as it had not been officially diagnosed. I mean, what if I had been saying that for all this time and then have a negative diagnosis.
I had done plenty of research into what to expect during the assessment.There are many great posts on this forum that talk about both positive and negative experiences.I was looking at the ADOS guide last night.
Monday morning came and I was awake much earlier than usual.My anxiety was through the roof with worry about what was to occur in the coming hours (despite having done a lot of research).
10:00 and the assessor greets me and my wife in the waiting room.First impressions were that she was very friendly and appeared to be much younger than I would have expected.Apparently she tried to engage in some small talk whilst taking us to the assessment room - I had no idea of this, even when told later on.The assessor had some background info on me as she had access to various reports that had been made on me by mental health support over the past 18 months.The first hour was Q&A about me and my behaviours - the time flew by.
Quick 10 minute break and we back at it.Some more general questions before moving onto the ADOS part - I had an idea of what was coming, but was a little uneasy about the nature of the activities as several people have said that they were demeaning, child like, etc.First was the shapes - no problem. I even gave a commentary about what I was thinking, how it would be better if I had more of a certain colour, how I am putting them together, etc.Next was the map - again, no problem. I have been to the US, so recounted some experiences of leisure and work related trips.Then it was upon me.....THAT ACTIVITY (if you know, you know!). The assessor talked about the first couple of pages and then it was up to me for the rest of the book. No problem. I didn't tell a story, I simply observed and shared my observations - 1 of which the assessor had never noticed or considered before.1 hour later the ADOS was finished.
A few more general questions and then the question came "Are you ready for your diagnosis?"PAUSE, PAUSE some more - the reality, the journey, the expectation, the uncertainty.It was almost as if my whole life past, present and future hinged on this moment.Finally, yes I am ready...
"You are Autistic - there is no doubt"
WOW! So many emotions gushed from the floodgates being opened.Should I laugh? Should I cry? Would laughing be appropriate? All 3 happened.I took some minutes to just take in the enormity of what had just happened.
We spent the next 30 minutes of so discussing the decision, next step, etc.Then it was time to say goodbye - I gave the assessor a big hug (was not sure whether that was appropriate behaviour, but fortunately it didn't seem to be a problem).
At the time and on reflection I did notice so nuances throughout the experience - not sure if they were intentional to see whether I noticed them or reacted to them, or just the way that it went. I won't mention any as I don't want to give too much away to anyone going through the process.
So that's it....I'm one of the gang!A fully fledged member of Team ND!
It puts context to so many experiences in my life. It answers so many questions.Hopefully it will help me find peace with troubles in my head.
Yes, I was told that there was a long waiting list and not to expect an assessment for approx 2 years or more., so it was a real surprise for me. I'm in my 50's and live in Buckinghamshire.
I have been under the care of Mental Health support for more than 2 years (other issues) and probably first requested my GP to refer for assessment around 18 months ago. I received no help with the referral questions, so let it go for some time. I then picked it up with the Mental Health service, but the first support person was no help - my request was rejected. We then had a very good support worker who really did help with getting accepted for assessment.
So, not sure if the referral was backdated to the original request to GP, but I doubt it very much.
Just one year of waiting? That's pretty quick for NHS. May I know how old are you and where (approx) are you located?
Congratulations.
Congratulations!
Today marks the exciting start of a new journey in for you. Best of luck.
Congratulations. The world will take on a whole new light.
Blimey, I'd have thought they'd give you more notice though. Not great to surprise they autistic person.
But today is the first day of the rest of your life
Congratulations my friend.
Hi - more than happy to talk about the experience
Awesome, I'm pleased. I found the diagnosis the exact same. Opened my eyes and showed me a better me and an autistic community I had no idea about.
I hope it brought all that you wanted it to.
And more, Charlene, and more.
Ben
That's amazing, pleased for you. I hope it brought all that you wanted it to.
I'm 70
Assessed three years ago
Snap, we’re the same age!
Its a massive step forwards.I didn't mention my age (and you didn't ask my age)....I'm 52, so there is now context around a lot of my life
This will make a huge difference to your life, hopefully a positive one. Enjoy the knowledge of knowing that you belong. It's a wonderful feeling
Thank you all for your congratulations
It does feel kind of weird now that what I suspected has been confirmed.I'm sure the coming days will be a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of emotions and thinking.
ONWARDS & UPWARDS!
Just 'knowing' is the best.
Congratulations mate!
Congratulations on your autistic discovery! Welcome to your autistic community!
Congratulations (I think!) and welcome to the club.
I kept replaying the whole assessment in my head for days and realising what might have seemed like an innocuous comment was very deliberate.
It will take a long time to properly sink in though. I’m still not there, but it’s definitely a big step forward in self understanding.
And yes - ADOS is weird!!
GPK26 said:So that's it....I'm one of the gang!A fully fledged member of Team ND!