Communication struggles - its so hard!

Ha, mines on my phone too and will be tied into some kind of format as and when I get the call. The process has been useful for me too as it happens. 

Please don't tell me it _has_ to be in excel format though - I'm terrible at Excel and would probably incorporate that into my controlling set of personal rules. (I'm joking - autism though innit!)

Indeed, and I’ve already started preparing a list of statements of things that I struggle with “I struggle with loud environments”, “I become overwhelmed when I have to deal with multiple tasks” etc. 

These are helping me to have my own clarity of though, but I’m hoping will form useful conversation starters when the time for diagnosis or any form of therapy comes rather than than relying on anything to organically start. 
it will also help me to remember if I’ve missed anything.

I’ve started them in the notes section of my phone so I can add to them as things come up when I’m out and about, but will eventually put them into a spreadsheet and put them in rank order and likely colour code, because, you know, autism ;-) 

Also, it's the assessors job to listen and assess, so I'm going to put forward everything I can to help them and, if they get frustrated by time/my approach, in that situation I won't be perturbed (and can forward it in text format too!)... I believe that is the one situation where it is my right to be heard, so hear me they will! 

I worry about this too - my 'solution' is, like Goldfinch, lists - I've started a log of all the things I've discovered about myself in relation to ASD and will offer it up or reel it off in the appointment.

Given those and my previous notes I don't think there is any chance I won't get a diagnosis. 

I am on a waiting list for a diagnosis, and this is the thing that worries me the most. 
The initial chat with my GP was fine, as there was very little she asked and I backed myself up with some print outs of various tests which I found really useful. She took one look at my extensive list of online tests and score thresholds mapped onto a chart that I made it almost impossible not to refer me! Haha

I remain worried about the next steps during the diagnosis stage though, I struggle to articulate feelings well and like you I worry I’ll end up being passed over purely braces of this and my ability to effectively mask that I’ve build over the past 40 years. 
you have to remember though, whoever does your diagnosis is highly trained, experienced, and will have done this hundreds of times likely with cases far more extreme than yours. They will have the skills to put you at ease and tease out the detail that they need from you. 
Wishing you the best of luck.

Dear missnjport,

I know many of the community will be able to relate to the difficulties when seeking an autism diagnosis. It can sometimes help to write down some of your feelings to share with your medical team as they may be able to offer reassurance or support. 

I thought I would share some resources that may help:

• Deciding whether to seek an autism assessment
• How to request an autism assessment
• What happens during an autism assessment
• Autism and communication - this has some helpful advice on how to self-manage some of the common difficulties faced by autistic people.

I hope some of this is helpful, please reach out if you need any advice or support.

Take care,

Olivia Mod