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Betterdaysahead

Updated 10mo ago

Late Autism Diagnosis: Experiences with Assessment Process?

I'm currently on the waiting list for an autism assessment, I'm 30 now so it would be quite a late diagnosis if they decide I am on the spectrum. The question I have is that it's been causing me a lot of anxiety lately and I just wondered if anyone has any experiences of the assessment process they could share?

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RitaMarie

1y

I got diagnosed at 25, and the people doing my interview were absolutely lovely. They were completely understanding and just asked questions. Mine did take a better part of a day, and it was a bit nerve wracking when they were doing an interview with my mother. But in the end, I can't complain and I'm happy to understand myself a bit better
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Betterdaysahead

1y

Thank you for sharing. I'm not sure whether I would rather they confirm I do have it or I don't but that's exactly why I asked for the assessment. I need to better understand myself in the hopes I can learn to stop being so very hard and critical of myself.
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tinker22

1y

I just had to fill out questions about myself. I was 42 when I was diagnosed. Changed my life completely but for the better!
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Betterdaysahead

1y

I've done 2 forms for them now and next thing is meant to be a video appointment but I haven't got a date for that yet.
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Alyss

1y

I was diagnosed at 33 and specifically looked for a specialist in adult diagnoses and afab diagnoses because I didn't want a primary care to dismiss me like they dismissed all my other illnesses. That said, it wasn't that bad for me. It was during covid, so all or it was done from home, and it was like 90% multiple choice testing. They didn't talk to my family as I'm not in contact with them, but they made it pretty chill to answer questions. It seemed like any other intake therapy appt except for the tests, so I'd you're comfortable with therapy, you should do fine.
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MzHyde

1y

I'm 36, and in the process of being diagnosed. I had so much anxiety before the appointment, but the way I tried to see it was that as anxious as I feel about this, in the long run, it is going to help me. Do you know what to expect from the appointment? That could possibly help reduce some anxiety
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Betterdaysahead

1y

you sum up my situation quite well there with yours. I did it because of the anxiety it's been causing me. The only thing I know to expect is a video call and talking about my childhood. Feel free to message me if you want to support eachother through the assessment etc. I do try to remind myself that in the long run it'll help but I'm not sure if I'm more scared of them saying I am or saying I'm not autistic
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MzHyde

1y

thank you, and if you have any questions, please send me a msg and I will try and help out 😊😊 There's a few online tools you can use to self-diagnose (not sure if you have yet) so maybe if you do fit the criteria of ASD, could help reduce the anxiety... I can't see your profile or any other disorders, few things to add: Not sure if you are F or M, however, if you're a female, ASD is a lot harder to diagnose You may or may not also have ADHD on top of ASD. The ADHD can actually mask the ASD! (I have a strong feeling that you really get what I mean with the masking) There's a lot of videos on YouTube about the combination of ASD & ADHD... This will also hopefully help you more, and reduce some anxiety before the appointment 🙂
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Betterdaysahead

1y

thanks for the info. Not sure how to change what you can see but have messaged you ☺️
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Bre19

1y

I hope everything goes ok for you
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HauntedHarlequin

1y

Good luck. I got diagnosed at 34 (I'm 36 now) and it helped me quite a bit to get the diagnosis, mostly because I don't feel as "broken" as I used to. I had to do a phone interview first and then I went in to see a specialist who gave me many question forms, skills assessments, and some audio/video tests. They also spoke with my husband about my daily habits and generally observed me. The best advice I can give is to be as open and honest as you can. Being a late diagnosed autistic I have spent most of my life trying to pretend to be normal to the point where it can be very hard to be myself around strangers. Just remember they are there to help and feel. free to message me if you ever need anything.
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Betterdaysahead

1y

yeah I get that it's something I'd considered as an option for a while now but what I didn't expect was when I stopped trying to mask my depression and anxiety as much that more obvious autistic traits would show up. I get the feeling broken thing I always feel broken and that's part of the reason I want the assessment because if they say I am it might help me be less harsh and critical of myself. I'm honestly not sure if I want them to say I do have it or I don't. I'm genuinely not sure which is better

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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