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Assessment date finally.

Orangegnome

I have my assessment date in June. I have waited a long time for this, but now I have the date I feel very nervous. The big one is what if I’m not autistic and I have wasted everyone’s time? 
it was pointed out to me a long time ago by my therapist that I have many neurodivergent qualities. I score highly in every test on Embrace Autism, but a small part of me feels like an imposter because I CAN be sociable, I CAN be loud. 
I am not sure the point of this post but wanted to come and let people know I have a date! 

  • Good luck. I hope you don't find it too stressful. They should try to make you feel at least a bit at ease.

    I was torn, I wanted to be normal but also wanted there to be a reason why things are as they are. I was worried I wasn't autistic enough, or at all, it was all in my mind.

    If you are, trust that they will most likely see it. Just try to be yourself. Say what is true, not what you think they want to hear. There are things that you would think are contradictory that aren't really. The only way to be consistent is to be honest.

    It is not a waste. They would not have referred you for no reason, and either way you will know. That is what medical people are for, to diagnose. It is not a waste if you have a blood test that comes back negative.

    Autism doesn't mean you can't do things. It means it costs more energy and requires the right circumstances, and is more prone to problems. And some behaviours can be defensive. 

    Do try to be prepared, which you won't be, for the result to be positive as well as negative. I am not sure which would have hit me hardest.

  • I wish you all best. Being sociable or loud does not mean you can't be autistic. My dates are in October and November this year. I'm also a bit anxious. Whatever outcome you get- you are not wasting anyone's time. 

  • Good luck, just try to stay calm and look after yourself as that feeling really grows when it gets close, and I think it common for a lot of us! I think I had a bit of a panic attack just before mine -I was overthinking it and realised my heartbeat was pretty fast, so I had to do something to distract myself instead.

    Just keep reminding yourself about why you are doing it, it helps to ground you back to your own reality as it gets easy to minimise your struggles.

    I wish you well for it!


  • in reply to Jalapeno

    Thanks. I have told a few of my friends I am awaiting assessment, they were initially surprised but after doing some reading most can see that I am more than likely autistic. I know there are people out there who might be mean to me about this, but those are not true friends. 

  • google "AuDHD" it will probably answer your question 

    AuDHD (Autism + ADHD) - one can mask the other - and ~50% of Autitistics have ADHD but more ADHDers with about 20% of them being Autistic

    I'm AuDHD - and udnerstand what you're asking.  I think this really confuses any NT friends you have - if you decide to disclose to them ! (from experience I would be selective about who/when you disclose - maybe not immediately after your assessment.

    Good Luck too !

  • in reply to AlanRalph

    Thank you for this, it’s reassuring to hear my feelings aren’t unusual. I question everything about myself as whether it’s autistic or not. Will find out soon enough! 

  • I had the same feelings before my assessment, I catastrophized that they wouldn't believe me and it would all have been for nothing. Thankfully, I didn't listen to that voice and try to back out. You got this.