Neurodiversity support thread for women with suspected, diagnosed or self-diagnosed autism, ADHD and other NDs #18

[PolterThreadStarter]

As usual, latest support thread.

Welcome

Hi there - I was watching the ‘are you autostic’ Programme last night on channel 4. Rang lots of bells for me and I’ve just scored 38 on the AQ questionnaire! I think many people around em would laugh out loud if I told them that so I’m a bit confused.. now I’m thinking about it my DM ticks loads of boxes too especially sensory ones.

I’m 44 and I feel I’ve been ‘learning’ how to interact socially forever. I don’t tick any of the hoarding information boxes really although I am voracious on researching things when they cross my radar (pregnancy, childbirth, getting a dog, and funnily enough finding out about ADHD when I twigged that DS has it)

I’m too exchausted by theee children, one with ADHD and a partner with ADHD to do anything about it I think

Gulp. Assessment date has been granted, in two weeks time. Another one here who is scared of not being diagnosed and falling between the two stools of NT and ASD. I know it doesn't make any difference as such. I'm still me with all my oddities either way. But. To be able to explain myself, to be able to say yes, I struggle with that, I'm on the Spectrum, would just revolutionise my life. Bah. I'm so grateful to have the appointment but I'm an ocean of anxiety.

That's great daisy, I know what you mean though... if I get told after assessment that I'm just weird, I don't know what consequences that will have. But it won't be good.
I've sent off everything for referral, not heard anything back so I'm a bit anxious and don't like that I have no idea who is looking at this very personal information about me. It has been Easter so I hope I'll hear something early next week.

Assessment done. Results not given on day, it all gets looked at by team then decision made. Another 5 or 6 weeks. It felt comprehensive but now I'm sitting here thinking of all the things I didn't mention.......bah.......

@Daisy17 what happened during the assessment?
Another one here who has sent off screening questionnaires and waiting to hear if gateway referral will now lead to formal assessment. The wait from stage to stage is killing me. I hate not knowing exactly what to expect.

Did any of you have the ADOS? When I did that test it showed me quite clearly why I'm autistic. It was very useful.

@OutofSyncGirl i'm curious: what does the ados entail for adults? Ihave no idea what the formal assessment process is in my area. I'm hoping it does have something like ados, because I am rubbish at interviews.

It's the same one they use for children. That's why it's interesting really. It's not an interview - it's an observation to see how you respond to various stimuli. I would advise not looking it up too much because if I had I would have been able to plan my behaviour to some extent and maybe mask my autism more. I know it's daunting but try not to worry.

Thank you. It's really anxiety-inducing, but at least the adult pathway seems to be much quicker than the children's one, so the wait is not years! :)

Gosh, I waited 3 years for my diagnosis! You must be in a good area for adult services :)

Well, at the moment it's going quite fast. My GP only referred me mid Feb and I've already had the "gateway" screening interviews. Perhpas it will stall once my referral gets through to the formal assessment part...... I hope not!!!

I think once you have the initial contact it means things are moving. Fingers crossed for you!

@LieFievdM It was mostly just a long conversation about my life, generally chronological, around early behaviours, schooling, friendships, relationships. Then about sensory stuff and about dealing with adult life. Also asked why I was there (in a nice way!) and what I hoped would happen and how I would feel if it didn't! Also a couple of tasks, which were silly but fun. The lady who did mine was very good at guiding the questions so I mentioned quite a lot without trying to prove myself as it were. Also this morning I have asked if I can send some extra thoughts that I felt hadn't been covered and they were keen to have any more information I felt I could provide. Sorry, that was a bit long winded.....! The wait is horrid, you have my sympathies.

Thank you x That's very useful.
I will update with how it goes x

@LiefievdM

Do you know who you are going to be referred to?
I rang to enquire for my relative how long the waitlist was for the appt at 6 months and was told probably another 12 months, I enquired again at 12 months and was told another six at least, but someone had cancelled and could we make it for 3 days time, which fortunately was a yes.

Every few months, do phone the secretary of whichever professional you are seeing to find out about the waitlist and ask to be contacted if there's a cancellation.

No, just the local ASD Assessment Service, not a particular person. But thanks for the tip. I will chase them up.

Managed to get hold of them today. All they can tell me is that I'm "on the waiting list". Whatever that means. I guess I'll be calling every two/three months to chase it up.
I should probably just be grateful that I am going to be assessed and haven't been rejected (yet).

I had my assessment today, using the DISCO assessment tool at the Lorna Wing Centre - paid privately as got too fed up, after 10 years asking, of trying to get an NHS assessment. Am now officially autistic! Feels good that I understood & trusted myself sufficiently to refuse to accept the views of all those who'd previously dismissed me having ASD as a possibility

Brilliant news Ruby now what you've known all along is official! Do they offer any post-diagnosis support? If so do take advantage of that if you need it later.

LiefievdM be patient, the waiting seems endless I know, but you will get to dx eventually.

It’s a great idea feeling, Ruby.

The relief is huge.

Brilliant Ruby. Still waiting for results of assessment here. Going slowly loopy.......

Officially autistic. 😁

Congrats Daisy!

Thank you! Feels very good.

Great news Daisy!