Assessment Questions

[TomboyFemme]

Hello, I wonder if anyone can give me some advice. I'll try to keep this short but brevity isn't my strong point! So, my child's school have recently mentioned the possibility of her being on the autistic spectrum. I started to read about it and recognised myself in just about all that I read. I've done a couple of those online tests and score a good deal over the cut off for probably being on the spectrum. The more I read the more convinced I am that I am autistic and the more my entire life suddenly makes sense!

I would like to be assessed and, if appropriate, be diagnosed. I feel like I need it to be official both for myself and also so that I feel ok telling other people. I know the first step is to see my GP and ask to be referred. I cant afford to go private. I am planning to write lengthy(!) notes detailing why I think I'm autistic, this is as much for me as for the gp, otherwise I know I'll muddle everything up and forget and make myself look like an idiot.

Question 1: To whom do I ask to be referred?
2: If they ask why I want an assessment, what should I say? The real reason is that I just need to know. I'm not expecting any help or support from anyone, I don't even know what form that would take! But is it too wishy washy to say that I just need to know?

I'm going back to work soon (as a nurse, after being off with my daughter for years), and am worrying a lot. I have a reputation for leaving jobs after a very short time, I've never held one down for longer than a few months which I know is pathetic. This will be my first "proper job" (I qualified as a nurse then took time off straight away so this is my first time working as a nurse if that makes sense), and I don't want to eff it up. But I know that I struggle to cope and can see myself getting snowed under, struggling massively with the social side and colleagues, and then cracking under the pressure. I feel like if I have a diagnosis then I can say look, this is the situation, could you please do XYZ to make things easier for me to manage.

Q3: CAN I do that? Or will they say tough titty, you're a nurse, you just have to suck it up and deal?
4: Is this a reasonable extra reason to give for wanting to be assessed in the first place, that I would like support at work if necessary?

And lastly, can I ask what your experience of assessment was like? From going to the GP and beyond? What actually happens? How was the GP with you? I've heard stories of people just being laughed at and I don't think I could handle that.

Thank you for reading

Tomboy I don't know what accommodations might be available, but I found the actual work environment made a huge difference to my ability to cope. I struggled in A&E and surgical - a combination of staff attitudes and the need to be thinking on my feet - but palliative care and rehab were great for me. The pace was slower (still really busy, but more planned routine and less need for instant decision-making), and the staff on those wards were less... I don't know how to describe it. Thrusting? Forceful? Maybe they were just a bit burnt out but had managed to stay nice people, so they were less judgemental and more supportive.

If you find that you're really struggling in a hospital environment, look into community nursing. And yes, do ask for accommodations. There may be something they can do, but how will you and they know if you don't tell them?

Another autistic nurse here! I've been diagnosed nearly a year.

I did like you're suggesting, went to my GP with my list of reasons I thought I had ASD and asked for an assessment. She was sceptical but agreed. Even she wasn't sure where to refer me but we got there in the end.
In reference to questions 2/3, actually I've found it incredibly helpful to have a diagnosis. One could argue it's cost effective with the NHS because I'm finally on an anti-anxiety med which suits me, I'm seeing less of my GP, I'm having counselling tailored to my needs so it's more effective. I've also found a new job! Note if you have a disability diagnosed, you are eligible for automatic invitation to interview if you meet the essential criteria.

Re work: some environments are very difficult with ASD. Do you know where you'll be working yet? I've been on an elderly ward for several years and it's nearly broken me! It's chaotic, it's noisy, it's unpredictable. Actually I coped ok with all of this when I had a supportive manager I could go to in times of crisis. However management changed and my current boss has been unhelpful. I am about to move to somewhere different, less nights (nights I find tiring and stressful), calmer environment and I'm optimistic it'll work out. I don't think I'll need many adjustments but Occ health suggested I have a longer induction period so I'm really confident when I'm left to my is devices. Personally I don't know how I'd hand community, I'd get lost finding new addresses and struggle to get to appointments on time! But like wingedthing says, it's about finding an environment and pace that's right for you.

Getting diagnosed has radically changed me. I am so much happier now, I finally understand who I am, why I am as I am and it makes life so much easier.