Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello all.
I've never joined a community forum before or thought I could be Autistic until my little beauty was diagnosed. I always thought it was my x husband who appeared on the spectrum because of his stereotypical traits. The more my daughter grows and the more I research females on the spectrum, the more I suspect I could be. I am feeling very anxious now knowing when I will be assessed, what it will entail and what the outcome will be. I'm wondering with the NHS being so underfunded to start with never mind Covid that I may not be able to access specific help if I do receive a diagnosis. I also wonder if I don't receive a diagnosis how I am going to navigate my life with my ongoing struggle with daily things that others can do easily - SHOPPING CENTRES!!!!!!!! I do love socialising which's why I never thought I could be Autistic but I've realised that I only enjoy socialising with people who are deep and philosophical, I hate small talk and bitchiness. There are so many things about me that I thought everyone felt. I am now beginning to understand that the things that I find tough are not conducive to the majority as I had always believed.....
There's a lot to my first post because I have a lot going on in my mind about it all. I'm wondering what peoples thoughts are about the diagnostic process and if it leads to more support and understanding? I'm wondering if others also struggle with shopping centres but are social? I'm also intrigued to hear if people on the spectrum want to apply a small kick to the behinds of people who say "I'm fine" when evidently they are not......
Thanks for listening.
I look forward to hearing your views.
H. :-)
My teens NHS assessment was a joke. And she didn’t get diagnosed. I suspect it was all about their budget….
She was diagnosed with ASD, Dyspraxia and ADHD last month privately. It was faster, and she was seen by the same person for her appointments.
I wasn’t going to wait (up to 2 years currently), nor was I going to see some of the ‘professionals’ my daughter did, which is why I’ve also decided to be assessed privately.
I think the outcome is that you know for sure, and you can learn to know yourself better. There isn’t an awful lot of help out there. CBT perhaps, as long as you get someone trained to work with ASD individuals. There are some community’s where you might meet up and chat with like minded people… I’m not sure what else is available, since I’m still in the assessment process.
Ah so your teenage daughter was privately diagnosed and you are being assessed yourself? I'm in Scotland and was told by the receptionist when I phoned to find out where I was on the waiting list that they have no idea. They don't have access to that information. I find that hard to comprehend. I'm not in a financial position to pay privately and I read somewhere that a private assessment also has to be backed up by an NHS one? I'm not sure whether this is the case or not though.... Meh! I just need answers as to why I struggle with anxiety about seemingly "everyday" things..... Baaaaaaaa!
Yes, that’s right. And I have to say, I am not financially able either, but I had to do it. I felt I had no choice for my daughter, and clearly it was the right decision. Also, a diagnosis is a diagnosis. It’s valid. It’s up to you if you share your report with your GP. And if you choose to seek benefits, it is no different than an NHS diagnosis. Remember, the person assessing privately you is still qualified lol.
Yes, the need to know factor is strong! How about asking if you can take a cancellation should one come up?
My daughters diagnosis took some time but she's only just 10 and I pushed for it in the hope that if she finds life too challenging that help will be provided. Her school have been great and I am glad she received a diagnosis. It's great that you are comfortable now that your daughter has a diagnosis. Has she received extra support when needed?
I could feasibly check out a private evaluation for myself but I am also scared of knowing that I may be.... I have savings that I could use but I'd feel it a waste of money if I was categorised as not being Autistic..... What part of the process are you at and do you feel that you are Autistic or was it because your daughter was diagnosed that you felt you could be?