Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, Well after two and a half years my name has come to the top of the list for an NHS autism assessment at an adult assessment unit. I am 56 years old.
After wanting this for so long it is now causing me quite a lot of anxiety and imposter syndrome.
An email arrived yesterday asking for an adult informant who has known me since a child. The only person is my mother who is 77 years old, our relationship has been quite turbulent over the years, some of my childhood was spent living with relatives when my mother was ‘sectioned’ on quite a few occasions. Obviously that’s not her fault in any way.
My mothers understanding of autism is quite limited, I’ve tried to explain how every autistic person is different. I get comments off, “ you can hold a conversation, I’ve seen you.” I’ve spoken with my wife and she feels and I do that she will tell the assessor that I was quite normal and nothing to see here. School reports just say that I was quiet. I just don’t know which way to go, the email does say that the assessment can be carried out without an informant, I suppose I’m feeling guilt in case she does have something to say but then again I don’t want my assessment scuppered, I didn’t have delayed speech or walking. It wasn’t until I started school that I knew I was different. Any advice would be appreciated.
I didn't have any informants when I was diagnosed at 50, I can't remember if I was asked, but apart from my parents who I didn't tell I was being tested I had no one I'd known since childhood. I think I was asked about it though and they were a bit surprised that I had no old school friends or cousins or anything. I thought that the inability to maintain friendships was one of the indicators for ASD?
Thanks, I too don’t have any old school friends, I always preferred my own company, it’s also easier to hide from the bullies on your own. Thinking about it, we never mixed with relatives. I have quite a few cousins, couldn’t tell you where any of them even live.