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?