• Replies 5 replies
  • Subscribers 73 subscribers
  • Views 214 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

Hello! My ASD Diagnosis Journey

baileyblonde

Hi, my name is Sarah, I am 44 and I am at the very start of my ASD diagnosis journey.

I visited my Dr earlier this week as I believe I have ASD and wanted further advice. I made the appointment a month ago and spent the whole time feeling extremely nervous about seeing my Dr as I didn't know what to expect and was worried I wouldn't be taken seriously.

I needn't have worried though as she was very understanding and sympathetic. I explained that after watching 'Unmasking My Autism' by Christine McGuinness and doing further research into ASD I could very much relate to a lot of the traits. This has both been reassuring (I feel validated in my lifelong feelings, experiences and behaviours etc) but also frightening (how will I cope as I get older etc).

After completing the AQ-10 Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) screening questionnaire and scoring 10, my Dr has referred me to The Owl Centre for a formal ASD diagnosis. I'm now on the waiting list (average wait is around 7 months) and hopefully should receive correspondence from them soon.

Parents

  • Hello,

    If you'd like to do more questionaires there are plenty to choose from. It may help you to be confident and also refine what you know about yourself.

    The AQ-50 is the longer version of the AQ-10, I think the 10 questions are a subset.

    Easiest single source is embrace-autism.com site, if you have not already found it.

    If you are interested in masking, I posted a thread on it.

    Good luck on you journey. It may be a bit emotional. It also takes time to adjust after you find out. It was not what I thought it would be. It depends on your previous life and how much you need to reframe. You will also do the imposter thing.

    The single biggest thing, which sounds like nothing but is actually everything, is be kind to yourself and ease off on the pressure to make things just, right, you're allowed to make mistakes and say no. :)

    You can start now, no need to wait to be nicer or have a rest.

Reply

  • Hello,

    If you'd like to do more questionaires there are plenty to choose from. It may help you to be confident and also refine what you know about yourself.

    The AQ-50 is the longer version of the AQ-10, I think the 10 questions are a subset.

    Easiest single source is embrace-autism.com site, if you have not already found it.

    If you are interested in masking, I posted a thread on it.

    Good luck on you journey. It may be a bit emotional. It also takes time to adjust after you find out. It was not what I thought it would be. It depends on your previous life and how much you need to reframe. You will also do the imposter thing.

    The single biggest thing, which sounds like nothing but is actually everything, is be kind to yourself and ease off on the pressure to make things just, right, you're allowed to make mistakes and say no. :)

    You can start now, no need to wait to be nicer or have a rest.

Children
No Data