Hello everyone started to feel nervous about the assessment

EssexHammer

Hi,
There have probably been many messages on here of this ilk, but thought I would say hello and maybe ask for any tips...
Im an older adult (40s) and decided after many years to go for an assessment(Private) which seems to be in 2 parts (Informant and one for me). Ive done all the questionnaires and 2 weeks away from first meeting.
At first was full of nervous excitement about finally knowing, now it feels just nervous (Im not exactly sure what anxiety is but I am guessing i am feeling it). I thought that is playing on my mind is what If I am not ASD, i think i will be even more confused!
I am guessing there is quite a bit of collective experience here of this, anything to help get through the next month?

smokemeakipper

Hi,
I'm also in exactly the same boat. Late diagnosis came back as having ASD, and got my phone call from Capita in a few weeks. Being autistic I think makes us more anxious about the process probably, but I think just be yourself, be honest and it'll all be ok The outcome can be contested too, so try to remember that, to take the pressure off a bit too. 

smokemeakipper

I just realised you mean the actual diagnosis. I was talking about PIP assessment after diagnosis, sorry.   The same advise probably still stands though.
I also went private (referred by the NHS to a company called Problem Shared), and the staff there were really lovely and supportive, kind and encouraging.

Albus_Scope

Welcome to the community @EssexHammer and apologies for the belated greeting. 

Have you had your assessment yet? I found it very draining and there were some tears, but overall not a terrible experience.

EssexHammer

Hi

thanks for the reply, it’s in 2 days with my informants next week. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotion and now realise where I thought I had a couple of traits that there are much of my life that have been affected by it.

Everytime I seem to watch some content or discussion I think ‘what that isn’t normal’ and it hits hard that I should have sort help a lot earlier in life?

Albus_Scope

I had my assessment on my 43rd birthday, so I totally get that feeling. There will be lots of what ifs and self reflection, I think it's very normal to go through a kind of mourning period almost. But ultimately, it's great that you're going through with it and are actively looking for answers. Just be gentle with yourself and take things slowly, it can be a lot to take in.  

EssexHammer

44 for me… I think I have began to realise a diagnosis isn’t a final answer but the beginning of a journey. Embrace, relax and just try find peace with whatever happens

EssexHammer

And yes a couple of times I have thought about cancelling it! I can’t have it entered my thoughts…

Albus_Scope

Oh blimey, it was my 44th birthday too haha. 
Diagnosis is the start of a wonderful journey of self discovery, but I found my moods really fluctuated for a while. But now I'm really glad I went through with it.

Will you let us know how you get on please?  And we're all here to support you when needed.

EssexHammer

Thank you much appreciated, I feel much better after writing a 7 page personal statement with all the ASD tests I could find attached to it….

smokemeakipper

I was 52 when I got my diagnosis. I'd been on NHS waiting list for 3 years, then they sent me to a private assessment. I too was worried about the outcome, but they put me at ease and I needn't have worried.