Published on 12, July, 2020
I've got my assessment video call tomorrow morning, I feel sick and so anxious I can't do anything or eat. I need to know as the uncertainty is horrible but equally I don't know how I feel about an answer either way.
Does anyone have any experience they can share of this? Or what to expect? Maybe being more prepared will help.
So, had the call this morning, I meet all the criteria so they're issuing a report with a diagnosis of autism, level 1 since I have relatively low support needs.
The call cut out at one point which I didn't cope well with but highlighted my inability to deal with issues well, and brought out a new characteristic of that, in that I started hitting myself which is not something I've done before, or at least to that extent, but then I'm not that often as worked up as I was this morning.
So now I need to process it all, nothing has changed but everything has changed.
Good to hear! I always think getting the answer is a great step, you now know what's going on and can get support measures in place. For work as well, if you want to mention it to an employer (not that it's mandatory) under the Equality Act 2010 you can request reasonable workplace adjustments etc.
It's up to you how you want to feel about it.
After my diagnosis I was delighted as it explained everything that'd been going on in my life (a lot of chaos and disorder, basically). Since then I've been able to lead my life knowing I'm an autistic adult, which does help. I've embraced my autistic needs much more than I used to (such as stimming and repetitive movements to calm myself down - pacing, juggling etc.).
Check out some of Temple Grandin's books (The Autistic Brain) if you want a bit of extra guidance. Plus, Autism From the Inside is a very handy YouTube channel you might like.
Reminder, it's also the weekend! So a chance to relax and mull things over.
It's like all the disparities in my life make sense when looked at through an autistic lens, instead of being disconnected issues, they fit together and make sense now. Just having that confirmation is such a relief.
Going to take a few days of low demand to mentally adjust to the news, although I know it will take me much longer to fully process everything, but next week my husband is in hospital and I need to be functional for that!
Thank you. I'll look into them, that is when I get my turn around my husband and son!
I need to get that! I liked the first game.
Good games I've found for autism are Runner2, SPACEPLAN, and Unpacking. Celeste is a very good mental health you might like, too. A platformer but it has a theme of overcoming depression and anxiety.
I've been playing Slimerancher 2, it's been really calming and I've been able to hyperfocus on it which has at least taken my mind off things for a bit. Not sure what to play next though.
Yeah, just chill and enjoy the weekend for now. I'm getting sushi tomorrow and buying Super Mario Wonder to just let rip with silly escapism and huzzah to that. It's all about the little things.