Going to see a psychologist tomorrow

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As per title.....off to see a psychologist tomorrow to see if my "fears" are correct. My online test scores are higher than some people on here who are already diagnosed. 140/200 ND 86/200 NT. EQ 19/80. Ritvo 141.

So, off to see the wizard......

All they can say is whether or not they think I should get the full evaluation.



Gnosis for the win.

Regardless of how it goes, it doesn't change who you are - try not to get too stressed about it.

Good luck!

I hope it goes well for you.

It's nothing like as scary as it seems once you get there and begin the assessment. It was waking up in the morning and driving to Chester I found the scariest bit, not knowing and scared I might leave the place back at square one wondering what in the name of God was wrong with me.

Online tests get a bit of stick, but in my experience, they are not that far wrong. They don't provide a recognised diagnosis and it was important to me, and I am guessing you to know for sure. You are doing the right thing. I never met anyone with a diagnosis who regretted finding out.

Good luck and let us all know how you get on eh?

Oh and by the way, they are ASD specialists aren't they? Make sure they are and if not go and see someone who is if you are not happy. Are they NHS?

Thanks-Splendidsnail, Cockney Rebel and Voxish.

My self diagnosis was confirmed by a psychologist at The Spectrum Centre who trained with Lorna Wing. This is a private organisation that specialises in autism. Not an "official" NHS diagnosis. But I wonder what benefit that would give me?? I just wanted to know. I was told that I was very subtle ( how I presented ), my reply was that this subtlety took a long time and lots of hard work! Cue much laughter.

I rather enjoyed the conversation as I dropped all masking and was completely myself.

As you say Voxish, any anxiety I had was that I was wrong and then what?!

I am still me and nothing has changed other than someone else has said yes, that is you.

The road goes ever on.....

Firstly congratulations

I also went private. I heard far too many horror stories of being passed from pillar to post for 3 years or so...no thank you very much. The service I went to was recommended by the senior autism lecturer at an English university, luckily he was my tutor. They primarily do work for the NHS but also do private consultations. Your diagnosis is official. If someone goes to a Harley Street specialist and get a diagnosis of cancer, they still have cancer. I am taking it that you do not want any services or to take anything from the state. The only time it would be questioned is for some children local authorities may want an NHS one in addition. If they can get away with not providing services (which cost money they will) However many local authorities do accept them as a stand alone, particularly if they are the self-same service they contract work out too. Private or not you are now protected by the Equality Act (2010) and can claim reasonable adjustment in the work place. I take it you will be sent a cover letter and report in the next few weeks, make sure you do and keep it same. Also, ask them to send a copy to your GP, it makes sense to do so if they have not offered themselves (they should have done this)

Yes, we are still the same person the next day, but perhaps with a new identity. Yes it does take some getting used to even if we have suspected for a number years (I bottled out twice before I went for mine) What it has allowed me to do is to be a little kinder to myself, to identify areas of my life where I need to make my own adjustments and to begin to explain myself to myself. I know far too much about autism for my own good and for a long time I examined almost every area of my life and behaviour and pulled it apart... here madness lies. A lot of people, most perhaps become uber self-aware for a while but this fades in time.

You are still the same person today as you were yesterday this is true, it's just now you are armed with a little more information. We are the lucky ones, at least we know. knowledge is power and with the power, you can do and change many things.

Voxish, I didn't realise that what I got was an official diagnosis. I was under the impression that I had to go through the NHS. It has certainly saved a lot of waiting. You are right, I am not looking for benefits or services from the state. Any benefits from law I am too late for (self employed) but boy would it have been handy when I was in my last 9-5. Ah, well...cannot change the past. Cover letter from the psychologist should be here this week. Copy to the GP you say? Didn't realise that. I "worked out" who I was a few years ago so no real change for me other than the "yep you are" confirmation. You are so right about the over analysis being the way of madness. I have had to rein that in!!

Your diagnosis was performed by a qualified and experinced specialist. the only differance is the employer. The main thing is you know now, its not in your head , well it is but you know what I mean you are not making it up. Once you know this, that its a real thing and the resons why then you can start to do something about it. Its important your GP knows then if you are ever refered for anything else then it's on record and your GP and anyone else can take that into consideration.

Oh and when you learn to get over the over self anayalsis would you let me know how its done....

Lovely news to read Hooj. I enjoyed the assessment I had last year and found similar, it confirmed the research I had done on myself and history and the conclusions I had reached. I had similar motives which was for my own self knowledge.

It is a bit like finally finding the missing pages from the manual and drawings. Nice to retort to one's inner critical voice with the words "Sorry customer, social functions are not supported in this version of "Brain""

As others point out, it may not have been paid for by the NHS, but provided the person is qualified to diagnose, and the N.I.C.E guidelines (or relevant equivalent) were followed, I wold see no reason why their conclusions would not have the status as an official diagnosis.

Voxish, I think I was over optimistic about the self analysis!! !

Rowan, indeed it is nice to know I wasn't being a hypochondriac...I actually had worked out what I was trying to cope with. The psychologist who diagnosed me consults for nhs and is also is a lecturer at a University in Autism studies.

And he worked with the lovely and talented Laurna too!

It is a she actually but how would anyone know as I never said?

I am glad your suspicions were validated.

The clinician that diagnosed you might know where to go for further help. If not look to see if the is some sort of support group for Autistic Adults or Autism association in your area that could give you options or recommendations.