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Alex8228

What to expect

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Hello. I am new to the forum and I am looking for some advice. I am 23 and people think I am autistic. My GP has referred me to a specialist who I am seeing on Friday. I don?t know what to expect. I am nervous. What will they do to me?

To sum me up I will list a few of my problems;

Hate loud or unexpected noises

Constantly fiddle with things that have funny textures

Obsess over things such as eating off the same plate / drinking out of the same cup

I have food fads and since the age of 10 have lived off toast, crisps, apples, chips, nuggets and vegetable fingers

Struggle to communicate in voice, can?t get the right words out.

Don?t recognise peoples feelings

Say dumb things. My parents told me my granddad had cancer and apparently I showed no emotion and just asked when he was going to die.

I like to have a routine and get annoyed and lash out when it is changed

Struggle to make and keep friends

People say I have an unrealistic sense of danger

Don?t understand jokes or see the point in make believe

Does any one else suffer from things like this?

Please help I am so so scared about going on Friday.

Thank you.

 

Alex

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>:D<<'>

 

I don't have all that much to say but wanted to give you a cyberhug Alex.

 

Hey, here's another one >:D<<'>

 

:)

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Hi Alex,

 

I've never been to an adult assessment but mostly the consultant will just talk to you.

He or she will ask questions about your life and interests and the things you find difficult.

They will obviously be observing your reponses as well as listening to your answers.

They may ask you to do some simple tasks to check things like your motor skills but I think they probably do that mainly with children.

If you take a parent or partner with you the consultant may like to talk to them too with you there as part of the conversation.

 

After this the consultant should discuss what he or she is thinking about you with you but may not give a diagnosis straight away.

You may be referred to another specialist if the consultant thinks it will help and you will be asked about this first.

 

The consultant will then write a report which you will have to wait several weeks for.

 

It should all be quite informal and relaxed and you should have plenty of opportunity to ask questions youself or ask for clarification if you don't understand something. It may help if you have a short list of things you would like to talk about so you don't forget things you feel are important.

 

good luck

 

Zemanski

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Hi Alex, seeing any consultant can be scary so try not to worry too much. You have wriiten a good list of things in your post, can you write that out to take with you? it does help to have your questions written down so you get the answers you want, otherwiseyou may find yourself listening to what the doctor wants to tell you. Do you have any ideas what you would like from the consultation? if you do write it down and take it with you. Is there anybody you trust well enough to take with you? This may be better if it is not a close relative but rather someone who knows you well as they will be less emotionally involved. You could always just have someone in the waiting room as support and call them in if you need it. Try to remeber that this appointment is for you and about you - you are the most important person - and you need the answers you need. Hope this helps and it all goes well for you. After you can post on here and you will get more help I'm sure. Thinking of you, kat

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Hi Alex and welcome to the forum, :)

 

You have been given good advice by the others. Writing down all your difficulties and giving a copy to the specialist will help.

 

The specialists may eventually want details of your early history, some professionals won't give a diagnosis without it. Is there anyone who can give details of your early childhood or could someone with this knowledge attend with you.

 

This previous topic might be useful.

Have I got ASD/Aspergers?, I'm confused and seeking a diagnosis

http://www.asd-forum.org.uk/forum/index.ph...st=0entry3043

 

You will find lots of help and support here. I hope everything works out for you.

 

Nellie >:D<<'>

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Alex,I recommend writing down exactly what you want to say and ask,in case you forget it at the appointment-even the most simple sentances can be easy to forget when it comes to having to think them up quickly.

 

It won't be like going for an exam or anything else as formal as that,the specialist is there to help you and there is no pass or fail in this.

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Hi Alex,

 

I just wanted to add that the specialist will not 'do' anything to you, as such. He/she will probably want to talk to you a lot and watch what you do. They will be aware of the difficulties faced by people with autism and will be considerate and respectful, hopefully. As mentioned, you may be referred on to someone else who may be able to help you more specifically.

 

Above all, getting a diagnosis is a means of getting help. Your GP has referred you to a specialist to see if he/she can help you. You are bound to feel anxious (I think that's true of most people), but hopefully the assessment will have a beneficial outcome. It is not a test in as much as you can't fail; you will only gain greater understanding of why you feel and act the way you do.

 

All the best

Lizzie

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Ditto what everyone else has said. Most of us on here have taken our kids through the diagnosis, which means we have to speak on their behalf, at least you can be very specific in response to any questions they may ask.

 

More and more people are becoming aware of autism, a diagnosis might just make life easier for you.

 

Try not to worry, I;m sure it will be fine - keep us posted.

 

>:D<<'> >:D<<'> >:D<<'> >:D<<'>

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