diagnostic assessment today

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Hi all. I am a 52 year old female who only found out just over a year ago that my lifelong difficulties may be down to autism. I finally have my formal assessment today. it will be 3 hours! Sounds daft but I'm worried that I might not be autistic. If its not that what is it? I've spent a year getting used to the idea and since that realisation my life has been so much more easy. I understand myself, my husband understands why I am the way I am, and by understanding what is causing my feelings and difficulties I can deal with them a lot better because I know what I'm dealing with. wish me luck. in a few hours time I should know for sure

Please let us know how it went and what is the outcome.

I’m just like you in that I’ve self diagnosed and ASD explains my life so far. If not, then I’d feel lost all over again.

It went well. Very stressful at times as it was 3 and a half hours of listening, thinking, and communicating. I took my husband with me which was helpful as he has known me well for 30 years. Sometimes it was funny as she would ask me a question and then before I could answer my husband would laugh!
The best thing though was being listened to, and taken seriously.
End result Definitely have autism, and I will get it in writing which will give more detail and a summary or our assessment by the end of next week.
I'm so happy. I just wish it had been picked up when I was at school so I could have had some support in learning.

I’m very happy for you. The rest is up to you and your family, but this provides certainty and a path to follow.

I’m so jealous. Some here and outside this protected space may think that odd, but I’m certain you understand.

Thanks for sharing.

I saw a specialist today and I’m super confused now. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on autism, but now I’m not so sure. I haven’t taken an official test yet btw.

Like where does one draw the line between typical struggles in social situations and atypical struggles?
The main portion he had issues with was the reciprocity and interpretation in social situations as well as routine and strict adherence to rules. These are present, but are not that big of a struggle compared to other symptoms and others on the spectrum, AKA: not obvious. I do have difficulty with these things but not inability, which is what he was concerned about.

I thought there were different levels of ability in all categories hence the word “spectrum”.

Places where I’m completely sure I struggle with are sensory processing, executive functioning, stimming, and initiating social interaction.

I’m overall pretty confused, unsure and anxious. I hope to get things figured out whether or not I’m actually on the spectrum. plz help

Hi there. You are right in that everyone with autism is different. One may deal way better in social situations than another, you may or may not have processing difficulties, poor executive function, or learning difficulties. I know I have said this before but I think the AQ50 questionnaire which is available online, with the scoring system for it, is a good indication. If you score under 31 you are probably not autistic, 31to (I think) 37 autism is possible and over 37 (Ithink) autism is likely. I scored 44! That was the information I originally went to by doctor with when I first asked for a referral

Thank you I’ll definitely consider doing that! I just don’t want to come off as arrogant or something cuz that happens to me a lot

I hope I get good answers. I won’t feel any better if I don’t get a diagnosis whilst not being convinced I shouldn’t otherwise. I’ve been convinced quite a bit one way, it’ll take quite a bit of evidence for me to change my mind.

When I go there though, my mind goes blank and I can’t think clearly. Probably because I get anxious about it. Which doesn’t help my case