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New here, failed to be diagnosed.

autistic79

Hi.

I have for my entire life always felt socially interacting with people is a puzzle I could never solve, my hatred of loud noise, writing problems, lack of social humour, and reptitive body movements, my difference was picked up as an infant by other children and some teachers, including head teacher, but I was never diagnosed.  

I recently had a autism assessment, where the assessor acted aggressive and inappropriate, refused to talk about symptoms, only concentrating why no one referred me other than GP, refused to talk to my older sister, and I am not surprised to say I ended up with a diagnosis of depression, it took almost a year to get the referral done, and that fight now needs to start all over again.

When I started learning about autism, it provided all the answers to my symptoms, and reading the information on this website fits me perfectly, yet a professional couldnt put the pieces together which has led me to questioning myself.

I hope I am accepted here based on my own diagnosis, my family do support me.

  • Hello I’m also new here and not diagnosed but waiting for an assessment.

    Ive done lots of reading and research over the years and it is a thing that some providers or individual specialists are not fully up to date with what neurodivergence looks like away from the stereotype. Keep going I would say this is just a set back good luck Four leaf clover 

  • Had a similar experience despite certain difficulties. I was actually infuriated by my experience. I went private with Sara Heath, who i cant recommend highly enough and the cost isn't ridiculous. You will be fine, just takes time for the dust to settle. 

  • Welcome

    Sorry to hear about the assessor being aggressive and inappropriate. 

  • Dear autistic79, 

    Welcome to the community. We hope you find it friendly and useful.

    With best wishes, 

    Anna Mod

  • Hi and welcome to the community. I'm not officially diagnosed either - everyone is welcome here.

  • I just wanted to say welcome too.

    That sounds like an awful experience, I don't understand why you get people in 'care' professions that can be, as DormouseAtRest put it, abusive. It's so damaging, as people tend to seek help at their lowest ebb, so acting in anything but supportive way can have a long term effect on that person.

    Of course you are welcome here, we have some lovely self-diagnosed people, and indeed those that are hoping for assessment but facing really long waits. You don't need any paper to get understanding and support here at least. 

  • autistic79 said:
    that fight now needs to start all over again

    Unfortunately, I had a very similar horror show experience - I am so very sorry to hear that you were another person to have walked that path too.  The difference between my first and second assessment experiences was quite frankly summarised as the difference between "abuse" versus "care".

    My (eventual) diagnosis was received as an adult, very late (in my late 50's) ...with me being the least-surprised person to hear the second set of feedback points.

    I believe putting ourselves, as later adults, through the assessment process can often be very demanding and disruptive.  However, I am glad that I persevered.  It has helped me to learn a lot and begin to apply those learning points. 

    It has also helped me to more fairly judge (and act with self-confidence) when service providers are slow to act in accordance with their duties under the Equality Act (2010).

    Here on the forum; self-discovered / self-identified adults are equally welcome as those who have a diagnosis.

    Welcome to you.