• Replies 9 replies
  • Subscribers 73 subscribers
  • Views 303 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Advice for newly referred person - Autism

Moggsy_12

Good afternoon everyone, 

I have very recently been referred for an Autism Assessment via my GP surgery.  This was initiated by their occupational therapist, with my full agreement. 

I am in my mid-40s and have struggled with depression, anxiety, and social anxiety for as long as I can remember.  I have been considering whether I may be autistic for some time and I welcome the referral. However, I did not visit the surgery for that reason so was not fully prepared for the outcome of my appointment.  I have been researching the processes, so I know broadly what to expect. However, I was unprepared for the strength of my emotional response to the situation, and It seems that navigating this news is more difficult than I anticipated. I am wondering if anyone has any advice or can signpost me to some resources for people who do not yet have a formal diagnosis but are finding things quite overwhelming. 

Thanks, 

B

Parents

  • Hello, you are in the awkward in between stage.

    You are looking for the answer to your confusion, but are scared it might be right, or scared it might not be right (which puts you back to square one), or that you may be looking for an easy explanation.

    I refused to do the screening test, then was dismayed at the result. I wanted to be normal, it's what I tried so hard to be since I was small. All the struggles and I finally had to give in.

    Maybe it's not that bad is it, I can't really be can I. Except you sort of know.

    Am I really disabled? What does it mean? Can I accept it? Did I screw things up? Oh my god, if only I'd known, my life would've been better, I want to go back. You end up grieving. It was hard for me.

    Etc.

    There are lots of thoughts. There is no easy answer. It takes time to process stuff, get it aligned in your brain, accept it and move on, like with anything.

    Just be kind to yourself. Enjoy the little things.

    It's fine to have a mix of emotions. I can be helpful to write things down to stop excessive looping of thoughts. You can also give name to your fears and see how they change. You can read about things.

    Remember you were always you, and you still are, and you still will be in the future whatever. It does not stop you doing the things you want. It may help you to do them more easily with less stress. :-)

  • in reply to Stuart333

    Thank you. A lot of those things resonate with me and it is comforting to know that others have asked the same questions of themselves. 

Reply Children