Oh! I didn’t tell you. On Friday (two days ago), I went to a GP appointment regarding getting a diagnosis for autism.
I’ve believed I had autism since I was 21 years old after reading stories from people with Asperger’s Syndrome (this is what I believed I had, but it’s all under the autism spectrum now). I was like, ‘Yes! That’s my life! Yes! I relate!’ I never felt so understood as to when I read those stories. I took an online test, and it said, ‘You are very likely an aspie’ (gosh, the pet names!).
So, my GP gave me a form to fill in. She said to bring it back to the surgery. I was like, Oh gosh, yet another trip outside the house. Then she mentioned I could email her via an eConsult (basically, the form to book an appointment, but I upload the document). You better believe I’m gonna do it that way. One thing I hate about my GP is that, yes, they are a 5-minute bus ride and a 7-minute walk away, but that bus comes every 15-25 minutes! I’m the queen of timing buses, so the uncertainty on the way back home fills me with angst. In fact, I had to wait 20 minutes on Friday, and it wasn’t for the bus that stops near my house with a 2-minute walk; rather, it was a different bus that stops down the road and is a 6-minute walk. I even booked a cab for £7.01 but cancelled it as I checked the bus schedule, and the bus that stops near my house was due to come (although it didn’t). The bus app is usually accurate, and it wasn’t showing on there. But the bus that stops at the bottom of the road was due in 8 minutes. Anything to save money!
I still haven’t even looked at the form to fill in. The GP said it’ll help me understand myself. I know the type of questions they ask, though, because I’ve taken more than one autism-type test before.
Being diagnosed with autism will mean a weight is lifted off my shoulders. A 17-year-old weight. I’ve come into contact with psychiatrists and told them about it, but they dismissed my concerns. I was so disheartened because I was so sure, and I still am so sure I have autism. I will be able to relate to my tribe and say I’m late diagnosed as opposed to ‘errm, I think I have it.’ Not to mention, my autobiography will come full circle, starting with thoughts of having autism and ending with finally getting a diagnosis.
I’ll fill in the form later on today and will email the GP on Monday after I’ve scanned it.
The GP told me that a referral could take 6-12 months. I’ve waited this long, so what’s 6-12 months? Maybe this time next year, I’ll be telling you about my results. We shall see!
Can anyone else relate? Who else has had a late diagnosis for autism? How was it for you? Let us know in the comments!