Diagnosis = unlocked

Hi everyone,

I posted about a month ago to introduce myself and vent some of my nerves about my upcoming assessment. Happy to say that I've had the assessment and I received my diagnosis Slight smile

It was privately done, over Zoom, and using the DISCO format. Honestly, the assessor made it way less painful than I expected. She assured me near the start that I would receive my diagnosis and that she was certain that I am autistic (we have had several screening calls, lots of talk about my childhood and an informant questionnaire completed by my mum, prior to today) - and that provided me with so much relief. I did my best not to mask, and to just be myself, as awkward as it is to unmask in front of a stranger. 

It lasted 3 hours and I was so exhausted after, but happy. Lots of questions throughout my life just received one BIG answer. I'll be getting the full diagnostic report and a letter in the next week. Told my mum about the diagnosis - she said she isn't surprised. My sister isn't shocked either. My husband is happy for me. 

Where do I go from here though?

I'll now be re-framing my whole life through this lens, probably having a few epiphanies over the next few weeks. Also got to tell my work, the thought of which scares me a bit! As for practical steps I can take to make my life a bit easier, I have no idea, but will figure something out.

Still processing but happy and relieved I can finally moved forward with the right knowledge.

Parents
  • Very interesting to see the process and I am so happy for you to have finally got to the diagnosis.  I wonder how your experience privately compares with an NHS diagnosis?

    Is telling work something you have to do or want to do?  Do you think they will see it in a positive light?

  • Thank you! I wonder that too - as far as I know, the NHS uses other tests like the ADOS and suchlike which I didn't have to do. And I chose an assessor that specialises in seeing adult autistic women, so in theory I felt like I would be able to trust them more. It was pricey, but absolutely worth it because of the care and attention given throughout the process. 

    As for work, i'm lucky to have a really open relationship with my employer. It'll be hard to explain that part of my ability to do my job relies on my ability to mask, but with any luck I can help them to understand. I will need to get some accommodations because I currently work from home and we're being asked to return to the office - and I know now that working in the office just isn't feasible for me due to my sensory needs and I'd need to make some changes to be able to do that. 

  • Well I hope your work are understanding and help you - after all it is in both your interests for you to be happy and productive.

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