Hi all..
I’ve recently gone through the assessment process as a AFAB white 46 year old.
Although my report says I have limited imagination, social difficulties, and many autistic traits… I wasn’t meeting the threshold for diagnosis as I apparently match my gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice. Basically that my social communication is fine. I’ve spent years acting & performing and worked as a primary school teacher…. I mask heavily. I did the CAT-Q and scored 151! I don’t know how to un mask!
The report also suggests that my processing difficulties, and my inability to form lasting relationships is due to ADHD (for which I was diagnosed and medicated 4 years ago) and the suggested poor self image and mental health.
my ADHD psychiatrist suggested I should get assessed as the traits I was struggling with after medication were likely indicative of Autism.
I feel the assessors have missed lots of information, like so many things weren’t covered. I feel fobbed off…dismissed and misunderstood (again!)
The psychologist said I could get a second opinion but would need to be NHS services locally which are 9 years +… I went via RTC with Clinical Partners but they don’t do second opinions.
I am sure I am autistic, I am devastated at not having the confirmation, I’ve been almost unable to cope since the call… only getting by because I have 3 kids to care for.
What do I do?