Hello! My ASD Diagnosis Journey

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
  • Good morning from America, baileyblonde!

    That’s very exciting that you are starting such a powerful journey of self-introspection! Having mixed emotions such as relief and regret are very common with getting a late diagnosis. For me, I mostly felt relief after getting mine. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for!

    In the meantime (since 7 months is a long time to wait), it is totally acceptable to be self-diagnosed. If you believe you have Autism, then you belong here in this community.

Reply
  • Good morning from America, baileyblonde!

    That’s very exciting that you are starting such a powerful journey of self-introspection! Having mixed emotions such as relief and regret are very common with getting a late diagnosis. For me, I mostly felt relief after getting mine. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for!

    In the meantime (since 7 months is a long time to wait), it is totally acceptable to be self-diagnosed. If you believe you have Autism, then you belong here in this community.

Children
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