Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello
Nice to meet you all.
I'm going through the process of adult diagnosis. My doctor sent me to the local mental health team (thats how its done in my area) and I saw a psychologist for an intial assessement. I took along a typed list of all the reasons why I think I'm on the autistic spectrum and he gave me a provisional diagnosis that confirmed that. I'm now waiting for an appointment for a full assessment. This could take a year and as I'm an adult they say they may not be able to give me a clear diagnosis. Is that other people's experience too?
I started the process because I was having trouble at work and I thought it might help me as I was feeling desperate. I was being asked to work in areas lit by fluorescent light and in noisy areas with no fixed desk to sit at. I had a manager who was very into coaching and mentoring exercises that I can't do. I find all of these very hard to cope with but a 'normal' person does not understand that and at work I'm just seen as difficult.
But getting a provisional diagnosis has brought up all kinds of other issues and means all kinds of mental readjustments and I am finding it a strain to deal with them. There is nothing in my area group-wise that would help. Does anyone have any suggestions or has been down the same path?
Sounds so like me when I was diagnosed (wrongly as it now appears) with ADHD - I went to the psychiatrist to discuss the negative feelings and overwhelming sense of stress in me when our son was born.
My mother used to use her fists on me and my Dad was just there and wouldn't say boo to a goose and I was afraid of the past repeating itself on me with my son and he listens to me for a few weeks and then diagnoses me with ADHD and tells me to take these pills and everything will be alright.....well you guessed it, they weren't and I have tried the pills on two occasions over the last four years and they didn't have any effect except help me lose 10kg's which I am happy with
My point is that if only doctors would take the time to listen like my coach did, they would find out what is wrong with people and actually give them the right advice and help....
Sounds like you are doing better now Electra?
Thanks. It really does help to know its not just me. Having two autistic nieces I had a good awareness of it even before I thought i might be on the spectrum too. I was unprepared for the reactions of those who have no awareness.
I'm getting more and more cross that I've been given a provisional diagnosis and no help to deal with the consequences of it.
Hi electra. You will come across shock quite a lot, in all probability. If you are very high functioning and can mask your symptoms, the ignorant public will express disbelief. This has happened to me on many occasions, and I can identify with the feeling of being a 'fraud'. Awareness is growing but it takes time for this to filter through.
Thanks for the response.
I agree that having to wait so long for a proper diagnosis and access to services causes stress and leaves you in limbo - you're told you'll get help but you have to wait a year and cope by yourself in the meantime. Its a consequence of the diagnostic process in this area. I will get in touch with the man who did the initial diagnosis to see if he can help in any way.
The work itself is no problem, I'm in IT which suits me fine. Its just getting the small adjustments in place that would make life less stressful at work. I really want to tell as few people as possible about the diagnosis. I look like I cope really well to others, so the two people I have told were completely thrown and expressed shock and surprise. Just made me feel like a fraud though because I don't fit their idea of autism.
Electra, you have done well to get into the system that far so far, normally the boat has to sink fully before the lifesavers come to the rescue.
You are in a half way house situation, my suggestion to speak to DWP as they have a stay in work programme in operation, because the stats have shown the government that if you go on the sick and do not get treated within 2 years,, you end up long-term unemployed and needing more resources later, also the work is a familar base for you so keeps you stable without a full stress meltdown, sounds to me as if the work is actually unsuit to your autistic or comfort levels,, so your doctor can send them a letter explaining what you said in your post to see if they can adapt your tasks/ environment somehow.
For me it was the psychologist which assessed me(over a year) and the autism specialist confirmed with him the diagnose at a later date. So it was a joint diagnosis, so why can't the psychologist do the same, that way in year you have the diagnosis but also the emotional and cognitive supportline in place.
To wait for a year and then start the formal diagnosis is just a psychological stress gap and time for you. Helps no one.