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?
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.