Got my first Assessment tomorrow - face to face

Heya,

I am really anxious at the moment as I have got my first assessment tomorrow and it's a face-to-face one.

I was on the shortlist for cancellations and had a phone call last week (coincidentally on my way to my UC appointment). 

Apart from taking Mum with me and my medical history notes - I really don't know what else to expect.

It's a 2.5 hour appointment - and I know that until I feel comfortable, I probably won't actually speak - usually I let Mum start off until I feel able to.

Would it be an idea to maybe take a fidget item with me so I can have something in my hands for something to keep my anxiety down?

Half of me wants to just curl up under my duvet and cancel the appointment - but the other (slightly more rational) half of me knows I need to go and I have been waiting just over 3 years for an appointment.

What can I expect to be said at the appointment? 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mweekie xx

Parents
  • Heya. 

    Firstly, many thanks for all your replies and support - I did end up taking a couple of fidget items and my little cat toy as well. 

    So, if I can describe the day in one word - it would be ‘intense’. 

    My appointment was at 9:30 on Wednesday and Mum and I were there by 9:20. We only had a few minutes wait before we were called into the room. 

    The lady was nice and explained what she wanted from me - which was what I kind of expected. She took loads of extra notes as we were going through the questionnaire as well - so I’m taking that she was taking Mum and I seriously.

    As the questions went on - even though I tried my hardest to keep eye contact with her, my eyes kept flicking back to either the table or the seat next to her as I found it easier to talk about my life that way.

    When we got to the ‘Previous Relationships’ question, that was definitely tough as my breakup with my ex wasn’t pleasant and I did have to take a few minutes outside of the room for a breather - I went back into the room after Mum had finished what had happened. 

    All in all, we were talking for just over 3.5 hours (longer than it should have been) and by that point I was wiped out. 

    She has to talk through the answers I gave and her extra notes with her other colleagues and has said that I should have an initial answer within 2 weeks and a full report within 6 weeks - fingers crossed it won’t be that long. 

    She also explained that if I don’t meet the criteria for Autism - she will help me with what other things it could be - which has made me feel more anxious because I’ve now got it in my head that if I’m not autistic - who am I? 

    Hopefully she’ll come back with an answer I’m expecting - but can’t really do anything else until then. 

    What do I do now?

    Any suggestions for what to do whilst waiting for the results would be appreciated. 

    Thanks 

    Mweekie xx

Reply
  • Heya. 

    Firstly, many thanks for all your replies and support - I did end up taking a couple of fidget items and my little cat toy as well. 

    So, if I can describe the day in one word - it would be ‘intense’. 

    My appointment was at 9:30 on Wednesday and Mum and I were there by 9:20. We only had a few minutes wait before we were called into the room. 

    The lady was nice and explained what she wanted from me - which was what I kind of expected. She took loads of extra notes as we were going through the questionnaire as well - so I’m taking that she was taking Mum and I seriously.

    As the questions went on - even though I tried my hardest to keep eye contact with her, my eyes kept flicking back to either the table or the seat next to her as I found it easier to talk about my life that way.

    When we got to the ‘Previous Relationships’ question, that was definitely tough as my breakup with my ex wasn’t pleasant and I did have to take a few minutes outside of the room for a breather - I went back into the room after Mum had finished what had happened. 

    All in all, we were talking for just over 3.5 hours (longer than it should have been) and by that point I was wiped out. 

    She has to talk through the answers I gave and her extra notes with her other colleagues and has said that I should have an initial answer within 2 weeks and a full report within 6 weeks - fingers crossed it won’t be that long. 

    She also explained that if I don’t meet the criteria for Autism - she will help me with what other things it could be - which has made me feel more anxious because I’ve now got it in my head that if I’m not autistic - who am I? 

    Hopefully she’ll come back with an answer I’m expecting - but can’t really do anything else until then. 

    What do I do now?

    Any suggestions for what to do whilst waiting for the results would be appreciated. 

    Thanks 

    Mweekie xx

Children
  • Hey Mweekie, thx for sharing your experience with us, it sounds very intense so well done for getting through it all. Sounds like you were totes awesome! It's great to hear that you found the professional you spoke with to be understandingand supportive. It's completely normal to feel a mix of emotions during such anything like this especially when discussing past relationships and personal experiences. While you're waiting for the results, I would recommend focusing on self-care and keeping yourself busy. It’s important to look after yourself mentally as well as physically and engaging in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing can help take your mind off the waiting period.

    I had a couple of months wait which was so intimidating at the time but I hope it will be a lot quicker for you. Maybe you could try journaling to express yourself during this time, that was recommended to me to do, or dive into a hobby that brings you joy—whether it's painting, reading, or even spending time with your cat! Personally I think spending time with animals is the best!

    Lastly remember to be kind to yourself. This is a significant time and process, and it’s okay to have moments of uncertainty. You’re taking important steps towards understanding yourself better, and that’s something to be proud of! You’ve gone through this which is the hardest part over, now just the waiting game left to play and I’m sure it will be a positive outcome in the end! Try to stay positive and take care of yourself, I hope the results bring you all that you are hoping for.