Diagnosed with autism at 32⎥Adult Autism Assessment pt 1

[@celestialblissfulness]

My son is autistic. After doing some research and seeing videos like yours I believe I am autistic too. It would explain so much if I was.

[@texasseastar]

Warning - long post - Just found your channel. I really resonate with your comments at 6:30 mark about education. I'm 20+ years older than you and only in the last 6 weeks have I started to investigate whether I have ASD. I've always been considered to be very smart, but in a practical way, not an academic one. I struggled mightily throughout junior high and high school. Once I got to college it was even worse. I started and stopped multiple times, multiple majors, multiple schools. At age 50 I was FINALLY able to complete a bachelors degree after taking 1 course at a time for 5 years to round out my missing credits. And while I felt accomplished, I was also very undone about the fact that I had enough credits for a freaking doctorate, but because of the "rules" about degree programs, many of my classes hadn't counted for anything since I changed my major and school several times. Before returning to a traditional classroom, I completed a certification program at a technical school that was 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 7 months. I excelled at that except for a couple of courses that required lots of memorization. Why did I do well at this and not traditional college? Because it was an area of study that I was keenly interested in and I also knew that the coursework was for a very specific time period. There was no picking and choosing which class to take or when - it was all planned and laid out and I just had to attend, focus, and master one thing at a time. What I've now come to realize, is that the problem was NEVER me, but instead, was the one-size-fits-all nature of our educational system in the US, particularly when I was growing up in the 70's and 80's. ASD was never offered up as a possibility for me; instead I was unfocused, undisciplined, and an underachiever. I was often invisible to my instructors and my classmates because I would withdraw into my shell rather than calling attention to myself if I didn't understand a concept or couldn't memorize certain information. Testing gave me incredible anxiety and I always did poorly on tests compared to regular assignments. Finding your video today and countless others in the past 6 weeks has only made me realize that I need to stop trying to fit other people's rules and expectations and instead focus on my interests and strengths and I'll be a lot happier. Thanks for your video!

[@neurodivergentme]

I couldn't agree more! I have done a lot of work around that insecurity and while I still have work to do, I'm able to recognize and honor my own unique intelligence. I absolutely love learning, I always have, but traditional school failed me and told me that I was the failure. Intelligence... even genius... comes in many different packages and should all be valued. Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm glad that my video has helped allow greater love and appreciation for your unique gifts 🌻

[@texasseastar]

@@neurodivergentme thanks so much for the reply. I watched a few of your videos and subscribed. Looking forward to checking out more of your content. I love research and learning as well, but only topics that interest me. If I didn't like the topic or the instructor, I did terribly in those courses. Looking back now, assuming that I'm ASD (haven't gone for an official evaluation yet), it all makes sense why I always struggled. ASD just answers so many questions for me and has been freeing in a way.

[@nikkib317]

I had my testing today and it was draining. I actually cried twice because I felt so stupid. It was a very intense 4 hours.

[@fluffypenguinbabe]

Thank you for this video series. Like you mentioned, I have heard a few KZbinrs mentioning that the evaluation was not a good experience, and it makes me feel like I couldn't possibly face it. It's very useful to have more description of what might be involved x

[@noahkach]

Thanks for making this! I found you from your post on the aspiememes subreddit. I'm 21 and have been diagnosed with adhd and OCD within the past couple of years. The more I learn, the more I think I'm on the spectrum. Also, I took an IQ test with my adhd diagnosis and I loved the red/white cubes.

[@neurodivergentme]

Welcome! My story is similar to yours... I was diagnosed with ADHD, GAD, and OCD tendencies in my early 20's. As I learned more about how females on the spectrum present, I began to realize how much I resonated with those experiences. SO many girls/women are missed because of biases and misinformation. I'm so happy my video helped in some way 💕.

[@noahkach]

@@neurodivergentme whoops! I forgot GAD lol

[@laureverie8675]

Omg I loved the red and white cubes part!!:D I wish I could buy those

[@ashleytilley8997]

This is only the second video of yours I've watched, but I actually feel like you're telling my story. I just had my assessment yesterday, the doctor did imply she thought I was on the spectrum, but I have to wait for my follow-up appointment to go over the actual results. Thank you so much for sharing your story and experiences!!

[@krsextonart]

I’m awaiting the results of my evaluation and feel like I had a very similar experience based off your PT 1 video. Mine was all in an 8 hour day and I was exhausted and feeling really “dumb” and disappointed in myself. School is really triggering for me as well and the person testing me knew I was really beating myself up about it. Hope I get some answers as to why I’ve been struggling so much (besides having GAD). Thank you for sharing your story ❤

[@Thelordsrain]

My daughter has just been diagnosed with ASD, last year she had tests for dyslexia, dysgraphia, discalculia, IQ, adhd, SPD, DCD, anxiety, depression and has them all. The tests you had sound like these ones she had prior to ASD.

[@peekaboo7424]

Thank you for walking me through your diagnostic testing. All the of the tests were they part of the adult ADOS?

[@TheJrpkid]

Mine was similar but no IQ test (I was able to provide a score from an earlier time). But yes to the interview, the battery of tests, the stress and exhaustion of it. Mine was three 2-hour appointments. The first was basically intake and interview-like. The second was a bunch of questionnaires, in addition to the ones I and a family member filled out at home. The the third 2-hour session was the ADOS.

[@catherinedesrochers]

Knowing a little about what the evaluation remove some stress (or not) haha

[@bazzahill6182]

6 + 3 = 12 if you use base 7 arithmetic! A bit like 6 x 9 = 42 if you use base 13 (Hitchhikers' Guide).

[@BipolarCourage]

I didn't have an IQ test with my assessment in New Zealand. Was around 6 hours, over different weeks, so could see mood fluctuations to confirm bipolar 1 diagnosis. Also said PTSD & social anxiety were a better fit for me. So no ASD diagnosis as have subclinical traits that aren't the best fit.

[@juanjon915]

What was the cost of everything If you don’t mind me asking

[@VivekaAlaya]

i loved doing the red block.puzzle

[@brittanysmith3716]

I’m interested in getting evaluated, but it sounds like such a long and tedious process 😖 I could feel your exhaustion while you were sharing your story. I would really like to know, but I have kids and little time to do drawn out tests. But it would be worth it to know. How do you feel after your diagnosis? Has life gotten better since? And what’s next after that?

[@englishchannels2646]

Thank you for this video. I have a question about it. Should I go to a psychologist before a psychiatrist to be diagnosed?

[@neurodivergentme]

I’m not sure if it’s the same for everyone but I was able to do a self referral with a psychologist specializing in ASD and ADHD assessments. I found him on psychology.com and emailed him explaining why I would like to be assessed, including my AQ results.

[@englishchannels2646]

@@neurodivergentme thank you so much!

[@alabamacrimsontide473]

so the preliminary appointment was basically the intake?

[@JosephDewey]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@danyelPitmon]

I have a long lengthy message anybody sticks with it to the end thank you and congratulations on starting off with school I was in public school from kindergarten to sixth grade and I was passed held back twice in school because I was failing classes and I couldn’t focus I couldn’t pay attention and I just didn’t want to stay still and I was also in special ed so I was between the regular classes and with a special ed teacher and I am legally blind and I got out of public school with outs and sixth grade and my social worker because I was a foster child wanted me at the school for the blind before she retired well went there not much changed every year they gave me all kinds of tests including exactly the test you had and I didn’t do so well the blocks God I’ve gone to those so many times not even funny I get only halfway through and the more difficult they got to be the longer it took for me to actually do them door I had to glance back-and-forth of the little booklet and the blocks and I also by time I got done with the test which was usually about 2 to 3 hours long they only said I had a learning disability and I never heard anything else but my mom and dad got the full report and I’m not sure if it was in my school records that I’ve gotten which I’m going to have to find and go through but I never really was very comfortable around other kids and I stayed away from loud noise when I was a kid I couldn’t stand a lot of bright lights or loud noises and on top of that also as a kid I could here fluorescent lighting electronics and things like that and I usually ignored it or just covered up and not let anybody know about any of that and when I finished up with the test I was tired I was wore out I was completely mentally and physically drained and there were a lot of other things in my life because I had a very small amount of friends like maybe four at most and even then sometimes it was kind of hard to tell whether they’re joking or not and I usually took things seriously all the time that’s was typically my life story and during school hours when we had study hall in the library I didn’t really study I just fell asleep because I was so drained by the morning classes and it was just overwhelming so that’s my message and I don’t know what anybody can confirm from that but I personally think I may have autism but I don’t know for sure until I can get tested PS I also have several mental health disorders first one is borderline personality disorder bipolar to PTSD generalized anxiety disorder dissociative identity disorder and I also have major depressive disorder and insomnia which I take medication for all of that and my alters lately have begun to go quiet I can still feel them but I just can’t hear him

[@raisingemmabear6322]

Was this doctor a psychiatrist or psychologist? Thank you for this video!

[@8-neoria-8]

Precious content thanks! 😘 From🇨🇵 💜

[@neurodivergentme]

🌻😊

[@KatzenShaft]

Sounds like a lot of work. Got diagnosed last week but it was different than that.

[@neurodivergentme]

It was exhausting but worth it.

[@gamerchristina1079]

👍👍❤️❤️‼️

[@LY-jm7ff]

"I believe 3 plus 6 equals 12" is probably looking for signs of dyscalcula

[@themekfrommars]

Or checking you're not randomly ticking the boxes

[@elizabethbennet4791]

interesting, the phd therapist i found is also on the spectrum herself

[@ananths1122]

definitely change your mic, do some research on models, and also listen to this video in commonly used earphones...to be specific, audio has echo.

[@SargeIzzard]

Kathleena, you’re amazing but the sound is just awful. Are you using the stock mic? There’s all kinds of messy reverb in that room. The only way to get around that is absorbing panels or this kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKqYYqOqeKaCmqs I can teach you what you need to know to mix the audio properly. It’s not complicated for what your needs are. I will even mix a few for you to give you an example of the difference it makes. I can’t marry you... sigh... so I’ll settle for fixing your broke a$$ sound lol.

[@neurodivergentme]

GAHHH, I know 🙈 I promise I'm working on it lol. I film in a very tiny shed with little in it so I need to put up sound tiles or blankets. I also got a mic but its not compatible with my camera so I'm figuring out that bit. Thank you for the link and constructive criticism! I appreciate it 😊

[@SunnyAlberta]

Hi there. sorry but I got nothing out of what you are saying, looking and listening to you, you look fine, what made you think you have autism? Are you able to work? I'm looking for answers bc I have a 32 yr old son that lives with me, (for the last year) he has not worked in 7yrs and could care less if he did/ WTF is it him? My daughter mentioned autism that I should check it out. WELL, how could that be? What really is autism to you? I'm on my next video to search for answers, if you have any, please reply. I feel like they use every excuse and alphabet to give you kids excuses these days bc I believe the doctors are quakes. LOL sorry, not being intentionally mean towards you no how, I;m expressing my thought and frustrations

[@doid4354]

This is pretty offensive tbh. Autism does not have a specific “look.” Just because you can’t see what this person struggles with inside, does NOT mean it doesn’t exist!!! Autism is not an excuse for anything. A lot of autistic folk struggle with holding down a job. Some can, some cannot. Every autistic person is different. Your attitude towards your son is disappointing. Instead of trying to understand and support him, you invalidate him and other autistic people online? Honestly if he is 32 and you haven’t even questioned ONCE that there could be some underlying issues here, that is entirely on YOU. I hope you can learn more and change your mindset about this because it is more serious than you seem to believe. The last thing you want is your son to feel like a burden.

[@AmyL0uiise]

Hi. I’m 17 and I’m currently not attending college because of my struggles. I’ve always struggled with school, social situations and sensory situations. I won’t go into the details but I do see what you mean. I see a lot of these types of videos and sometimes I feel the same way towards them. I’m currently on a 2 year waiting list for Asd, it was my school and therapist who put me on the list as they noticed a lot of things about me which were different and my struggles seemed to link to asd. I get a little frustrated when I hear that others get these assessments done so quickly! As I’m in a bit of a crisis at the moment. However, what I also understand is that there is a spectrum. Everyone is different. Everyone has different things they struggle with and for autistic people these struggles can be as simple as getting out of bed or having a shower. Everything feels that little extra. The people in charge of these assessments are extremely good in fact there’s not many people who are able to diagnose this which is why I’m on such a long wait. This also means that if she has been told by these doctors that she has autism, then she has it. I went through my whole life with all of these struggles but I ended up achieving good enough grades to keep me going, I continued school, I have a job at the moment, yes I’m currently out of college because of my struggles but my point is that, just because someone is working and attending education/work does not mean that they can’t be autistic. It does not define who they are. That’s why we have these assessments in place. Girls also tend to be much better at hiding it than boys. That’s what I have been told by many professionals and I believe that because from my own experience, I have always hidden my emotions, mainly because I find it so difficult to communicate with people. I also grew up not really knowing who I was and still don’t know, I don’t know what I like or dislike for example. I never spent time trying to figure that out. I spent my time trying to blend in with others because I always felt different and found that being myself never got me any friends unfortunately. Just because I go to work doesn’t mean that I don’t struggle. I have meltdowns every time I come back, I’m emotionally exhausted. My ears feel as though they have popped and have this ringing sound which lasts up to an hour because I have to stay in a noisy environment for so long. My anxiety is terrible, I can’t eat in front of others because it’s always made me feel so uncomfortable which means I don’t eat any lunch while I’m there. I also have to use the bathroom when things get too overwhelming, just so I can take a breather. Each time I come back from work I think, “why am I doing this?”, “that’s it, I quit”. And yesterday I was seriously thinking of quitting everything and just staying at home in my room alone which is where I feel most comfortable (and that’s probably why your son does it) but I always end up going back because I know that these struggles will always be there, I’ve just got to hope that when I get some answers as to why this is happening, I can then work from there and get the right help to deal with these things better (hopefully). I can understand from my own experiences why your son would want to almost isolate himself in a way but obviously, we are all different so I wouldn’t know exactly why since I don’t know him but personally, when I isolate myself it’s because I don’t like people, don’t like the world and I am just exhausted by it all. Sounds mean right? But unfortunately that’s how I feel, I don’t and would never treat anyone bad though. Don’t get me wrong, I have people in my life that I do love but if I could choose to stay at home over a movie with family then I would definitely stay in my room. I love my alone time. People make me feel very tired, it’s exhausting trying to live up to their expectations and socialise with them which is why I tend to avoid it where I can. These feelings then give me a negative view on the world as a whole, hence why I said I hate it. Take care, I hope your son starts feeling better and things start looking up for him :)

[@SunnyAlberta]

@@AmyL0uiise TY TY for your reply, there is a 6yr waiting list in Edmonton at the Glen Rose to get an assessment done, I suffer from PTSD and know exactly what you mean when you say we feel better in isolation, it's our safe haven, BUT you and I manage to make an income, he has none, am I enabling him? idk, this is the biggest challenge I have been given. Good for you not giving up even as much as you want to throw the towel in, there's your inner self telling you not to give up, bc when we do, we can go downhill real quick.be nice to yourself and enjoy the simple things in life that matter, I have to work on this everyday as well. I'll continue on looking for answers and help for my son, and may you have a bright blessed day. Sending peace love happiness and healing to you me and the world.

[@AmyL0uiise]

@@SunnyAlberta I’m sending you all my love, take care!🥰❤️

[@themekfrommars]

It's not just you Linda. It's all Lindas that got nothing out of this video. For too long Lindas have been prejudiced in society but I say that must stop now, Linda! Rise up and demand the special treatment that you rightly deserve!