I have my first autism assessment today, and I'm so nervous

[immie3426]

I have been booked for a hour at the doctors, it's a outside agency doing it, and that is all I have Been told. I'm so nervous for it.

Try not to worry. It’s not a test or exam you need to pass. They just want to see if you are or aren’t something. So the most important thing is to just be you, act normally and answer questions honestly.

This is one appointment where you can fully let your nerves show, you don't have to hide anything. Assessments come in different forms so it's hard to give advice; mine was just lots and lots of questions. The assessors should be trained to recognise signs of masking, so if this is something you do instinctively, you shouldn't worry that it will affect your assessment. The assessors should also be good at making neurodivergent people feel at ease. Just go in and be yourself, whether that includes masking or not - you will be OK

I know you're nervous, maybe apprehensive, but you can only be yourself. They'll be used to seeing all sorts of people.

If you've got any questions, write them down and keep them out so easy to access.

Just be you. Good luck 👍