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Assessment conclusion

Aurielle
19 hours ago

Hello!

I had my assessment conclusion and just want a space to ramble and process it I think, and see what others have to say.

After waiting just over a month, I finally had a teams meeting with my assessor, and my uncle present who confirmed some of what I was saying, and how I'd been this way since a kid, but also the fact my parents bullied me alot as a kid too.

The assessor reiterated that they think a lot of it is likely childhood trauma, and it's unclear what is down to that, and what may indeed be Autistic traits. He said that, the options are I can put the diagnosis on a shelf for a moment, go through therapy to help sort out the issues from childhood trauma, and come back to it later if the traits are still more apparently autism. Or "take the short route, get diagnosed", and potentially hit issues in the future if I did decide I want therapy, as they may attribute everything to me being Autistic.

Whilst I get where he was coming from, there was a lot in my notes thay I'd written about on a deeper level that I don't think can be explained away by trauma. After all the research, and talking to others and the fact I'm constantly in my own head about many things in my life, I'm well aware in myself of which struggles I think are due to my parents. And I'm pretty sure in myself that it's a mix of ASD, and yes indeed some trauma because of my treatment due to that.

I chose the latter option, because I don't think that it's worth the time, energy, and NHS funds even to go through therapy, and come back to the same conclusion.. I don't think there's a lot therapy can do for me at this time, since I've moved away from my family and processed a lot of what happened to me, and am actually in a better place for it. But the struggling in social situations, differences in how I prefer to communicate, sensory issues and so many other things, remain.

I don't think I made the wrong decision.

But the fact it came down to my decision in the end, made me feel panicked and like I'll be judged for taking "the short route". In my experience it has been anything but short... 

But also, if he didn't feel they was a chance I'm autistic, I wouldn't have been even given the option, right?

Parents
  • 5 hours ago
    Aurielle said:
    I don't think I made the wrong decision.

    From what you've said, and for whatever it may be worth, I agree. And congratulations on your diagnosis!

    Aurielle said:
    I don't think there's a lot therapy can do for me at this time, since I've moved away from my family and processed a lot of what happened to me, and am actually in a better place for it. But the struggling in social situations, differences in how I prefer to communicate, sensory issues and so many other things, remain.

    Setting your childhood trauma aside for a moment, therapy (or counselling) is also often recommended for us following diagnosis in respect of our neurodivergent difficulties.

    So you might find that there is a lot to be gained from it. However, if this is something that you might still consider exploring, then I strongly recommend buying or borrowing this book before deciding on a particular type and provider - it has proved very helpful to me and to several others here:

    The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy

    Also, you might find the resources here helpful:

    NAS - After diagnosis

    They include: 

    • How will I feel after receiving an autism diagnosis
    • Talking about and disclosing your autism diagnosis
    • Emotional support for family members after a diagnosis
    • Formal support following an autism diagnosis
    • What can I do if formal support is not offered or is not enough

  • 5 hours ago in reply to Bunny

    Thanks for the recommendation, I'll have a look.

    I may in time decide I wanna look into it. But for the moment, at least in terms of dealing with my parents behaviour towards me in particular, I don't think it'd make much difference in this case.

    Cheers, I'll have a read ^^

Reply
  • 5 hours ago in reply to Bunny

    Thanks for the recommendation, I'll have a look.

    I may in time decide I wanna look into it. But for the moment, at least in terms of dealing with my parents behaviour towards me in particular, I don't think it'd make much difference in this case.

    Cheers, I'll have a read ^^

Children
  • 4 hours ago in reply to Aurielle

    You’re welcome! 

    Aurielle said:
    the struggling in social situations, differences in how I prefer to communicate, sensory issues and so many other things, remain.

    Whilst I was waiting for my assessment, I tried CBT, but didn’t benefit from it - which isn’t unusual for autistic people, from what I’ve learned.

    So, after my diagnosis, and informed by the book that I mentioned, I chose to have counselling instead - with a counsellor who is also neurodivergent. I’m finding it much more helpful in learning to live more comfortably with my own various differences.