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?
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.