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New (not) diagnosis?

allisone5

Hi, I’m new here. I have recently underwent a full neurodiversity assessment for autism and ADHD. As background I have already been diagnosed with Bipolar NOS and CFS/ME.

My results came back a bit strange and I was just looking to see if anyone else has had a similar experience.

I met 5/7 out of the DSM criteria but not A2 - nonverbal communication and as such I could not be formally diagnosed with autism. However, the report says that I have clinically significant autistic traits and neurodevelopmental support needs. There was not enough evidence to support full diagnosis.

I’m not quite sure what to think! I don’t want to use insensitive terminology either. Am I on the spectrum? Not on the spectrum? It just feels like a bit of limbo for me..

  • Whatever the diagnosis, if you feel comfortable here then you ARE one of this community! Keep posting and look at a variety of threads - I find it relaxing to read the fun threads, and it reduces my anxiety.

  • Hi, I'm sorry you seem to have it hard, hoping for answers but didn't get any. How do you feel about it? You might feel it's accurate, though if you disagree, then I think there are steps?

    Some people come here after a negative diagnosis, still needing to speak to people who understand how hard the assessment is. Some of them decide to go for a second opinion, though not always easy to obtain. There is info on that too on the NAS pages I think. 

    www.youtube.com/watch (link to a NAS video on what to do if your disagree) 

    There is also the Broader Autistic Phenotype, BAP. As there are people, especially of those related to and sharing genes with autistic people, where you have traits, but not enough for a diagnosis. Doesn't mean you don't struggle with areas too, as outlined in your report, those struggles are still very real. Wishing you well with it. 

  • Hi Allison, firstly welcome to the community. I'm not too sure if anyone else in the community has had a similar situation, however i'm sure they will comment/reach out if they have or have any advice, etc. 

    Our website has a diagnosis hub, this includes information, practical and multimedia resources to support autistic people and their families before during and after diagnosis.  

    You may also find some relevant information on our advice and guidance section of the website: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance 

    You can try searching on our Autism Services Directory for diagnostic services in your local area if you wanted to pursue a second opinion. 

    I wish you all the very best going forward. All the best,

    Paul