Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm not sure how I feel about it anymore... I don't feel I have autism. With the ADOS I struggled the most, but with the ADI-r I said "I don't have a problem with that" to a lot of things. She had asked me if I was also assessed for ADHD a few minutes in. She said I don't need to be so nervous but that's literally how I go about life. I am ALWAYS anxious I don't know how to not be..
With the ADOS I struggled the most, but with the ADI-r I said "I don't have a problem with that" to a lot of things.
That's ok. You shouldn't need to struggle in order to be identified as autistic. However, did you tell the assessor that you don't feel you are autistic?
I thought I was until this assessment. My mum was with me, and from her answers I did not struggle much as a baby but was very shy and reserved, had no friends and didn't like to talk to people.
That's ok, maybe you just need time to process the assessment.
Yes, being autistic without early developmental delays isn't unusual! Lots of us have autistic traits that only become apparent when we start school or even not until puberty (when executive function and social stuff gets trickier). I was an early talker and reader but I hit all my other developmental milestones right on time until I started school and my social and motor skills couldn't keep up any more.
The waiting for the result was the hardest part for me. Find something to distract yourself!