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Struggling mid-assessment

Wellygog
4 months ago

Hi everyone. I'm new here, first post. So firstly, hello!

I'm 37 years old and I finally decided to seek assessment for both Autism and ADHD, as quite frankly I'm exhausted and have reached a point in life where I'm wanting some answers/certainty about why I'm different to others around me. That and I'm tired of pretending/masking to fit in all the time. 

My GP agreed to refer me for both and I've completed the pre-assessment screening tools and forms. My mum has done all the ones for childhood information gathering too.

I have a date for the ADHD assessment (31st July) and I'm still waiting for the Autism assessment appointment. 

At this point now, where I'm waiting for the final appointments, I'm really struggling. The pre-assessment forms really made me focus in on my traits which lead to 4 weeks of hyperfocus on ADHD and ASD which has been exhausting and probably quite unhealthy? But also, it made me revisit childhood trauma and various issues which I'd normally prefer not to think about.

I feel like I've bared my soul to an unknown stranger and now I'm left here feeling vulnerable and just waiting. The not knowing if I'll be diagnosed either way is driving me to despair. 

Anyone else in this position/been there? Any advice to help me while I wait? 

Parents
  • 4 months ago

    Yes, I've been experiencing the exact same thing, so much so, I had to take a break from the forms. Raking up the past is painful to state the least. I’m now having constant flashbacks, as I’m obsessed with detail, and beyond pedantic.

    You may find it helpful to talk to someone about your experience, you could get a referral from your GP, or use an anonymous charity phone line to get it off your chest. Personally, I find journalling cathartic, a good way to instantly vent my angst! Plus, you can keep it, rip it up, or burn it when your done.

    Wsh there was some support available, specifically for late diagnosed women, I feel so strong about it, that I’m considering getting professionally involved in some capacity.

Reply
  • 4 months ago

    Yes, I've been experiencing the exact same thing, so much so, I had to take a break from the forms. Raking up the past is painful to state the least. I’m now having constant flashbacks, as I’m obsessed with detail, and beyond pedantic.

    You may find it helpful to talk to someone about your experience, you could get a referral from your GP, or use an anonymous charity phone line to get it off your chest. Personally, I find journalling cathartic, a good way to instantly vent my angst! Plus, you can keep it, rip it up, or burn it when your done.

    Wsh there was some support available, specifically for late diagnosed women, I feel so strong about it, that I’m considering getting professionally involved in some capacity.

Children
  • 1 month ago in reply to NAS93815

    Thank you so much for replying and I'm really sorry I haven't responded sooner. I wasn't notified of a reply and haven't been back on for ages because of the lack of notifications amongst other things. 

    Anyway, those are really helpful tips and I agree there is definitely a gap in services. I am lucky that I work in the NHS and so I eventually approached my clinical supervisor for some support and she kindly offered me an hour of 1:1 time every 2 weeks until my assessments are completed. It's been such a lifeline. Confidential, private space to discuss things as you said. We normally only get these sessions once every 1-3 months.