currently going through an assessment for autism advice what can you do while waiting

Have you talked to your GP about "Right to Choose"? 

The NHS assessments have a very long waiting list. But private contractors are much quicker. Even then there is a lot of variation. 

But first I have to ask what do you want from the process? 

Thanks for the advice I have manged to put some things in place that have been helping when I have looked up things about autism 

I think what some are saying is to see what traits you have that link with autism as it will probably help when you have your assessment. Also it might help how you feel about any struggles you may have. 

Wow I can understand why you feel wary especially when you have been through the system as long as that. Hopefully you will get your answers you need as I can understand that it can be frustrating not knowing what can help with the struggles you have

Yeah they are suggesting over 2 year wait for the assessment for me. Thanks for letting me know your expirence. Also I appreciate the advice and it helps to know what the assessors are like.

The number one piece of advice I can give is do not dwell on it.  The waiting list can be a fickle thing.  I was on it for three years before I got my assessment.  I've heard it's something of a regional lottery here in the UK.  I had one initial assessment that was supposed to by via webcam, but I didn't have one and so it was a phone appointment.  The follow-up was several months later, by which time I'd bought a webcam.

All I can say is take it easy.  Don't work yourself up by thinking what they might ask you, what they might not ask you, whether you'll get through any tests they throw at you.  Just take a deep breath and relax.  I was stressed going into my assessment (I had the DISCO) but the nurse was amazing.  She was very kind and asked the questions in such a way that the conversation that ensued was both natural and, probably, the longest "real" conversation I've ever had with anyone.

Autism assessors are not there to trip you up or "weed people out".  They're medical professionals and they're good, decent people.  On the day you have your assessment don't try to be anyone else but your real, honest self.

It'll be okay, trust me.

I didn't do any preparation for the assessment, unless you count the "paperwork" (which was digital, not on paper). It was just a friendly chat. I wouldn't worry about it. 

I too am awaiting a full autism diagnosis, but it worries me no end that people are saying you need to prepare for your assessment. Surely an assessment should not need preparation, don't know of any other medical assessment that works on this basis. It's not helping my nerves about the whole process. I am extremely wary of the whole mental health care hierarchy and their abilities. I have been in " The System " for over thirty years and quite frankly don't trust them or have any faith in their skills and abilities to differentiate between their subdivisions of mental health. I realise this is rather negative, but I am telling things how I see them. Only last year was autism raised as a possibility despite no medication helping (20+) and not therapies having a positive affect. I'm quite happy to do research but it feels like I'm doing their job. You're not expected to cut yourself open prior to surgery, why should mental health be any different. 

The main one would be to look up and watch stuff about autism so you understand it. You can then identify which things relate to you, check them out, then make notes as you will need it later.

If you are pretty confident you are, you can then look up info on accommodations and start adjusting to make your life easier. If they work you can keep them.

Note that the assessment is not a magic wand. It doesn't make everything better. You mostly have to do that yourself, so you may as well start now.

I think the answer I would give you depends on how you are feeling about life at the moment.

What I did might not be right for you and in truth it might not on reflection have been right for me!  :-)

Some routes can be more difficult than others, some are maybe best put off 'til later.  Some would just be the wrong way to send you from where you are at present.

Bearing in mind if someone asked me during this period my answer was almost invariably "I don't know" this might be a stupid and indeed impertinent question to ask...

Anyway, how are you feeling things generally and how are you feeling about the autism assessment?  How much is "riding on it" for you?

That might give a clue what to do whilst waiting for the assessment.

Best Wishes

Hi, 

I've been going through this as well. Sort of, I went in for ADHD assessment, and then in the assessment they told me that a chunk was Autism, not ADHD, and that I have both. Which I wasn't expecting, I knew I had sensory issues and have always been called "too sensitive / dramatic / snob / baby etc". I tried so hard to be different and learned to mask. Now I'm going through that part. But I digress.

I was waiting for the ADHD assessment; not aware I had ASD. But what I did was buy physical books and audio books and tried to learn as much as I could, so I was prepared for it. Particularly as a woman, as there's a history of women going undiagnosed etc. and I wanted to make sure I was heard. I needn't have worried, I was with a good Psych, and they picked it all up pretty quick. It was frustrating though when waiting to go in for the assessment, because I just wanted to do the thing so I could get on with it. I'm in Australia though and we don't go through public; we can only do it through private. So, the waitlist probably isn't as long here maybe.

It's not really any advice I know and I'm sorry. But something to read for a minute while you're waiting

Hi and welcome to the community! 

You might find the advice here helpful:

NAS - What can I do while waiting for an autism assessment?

There are some other, related articles here that you might also find useful:

NAS - Assessment and diagnosis