Autism Diagnosis at 37- What the Evaluation Process was Like

[@Autmazing]

The actual appointment details start at 8:52 . Obviously I think that the explanation of how I got to the point of having an evaluation is relevant, but I know sometimes people want to skip straight to the point that is exactly what the title is about.

[@mjm8949]

I listened to the whole thing ❤️ thank you for sharing!

[@josephlozoponi4013]

What about at 71

[@midnightcat6116]

Autism is DEFINITELY hereditary 🦋Thank you for sharing your journey. I wish my Mom and brother had been diagnosed earlier with L1. Would have saved so much heartbreak. Best to you and your family

[@craigcarter400]

The ones in my family that I know have / had ADHD are my first cousin Melissa and her late brother Matthew that passed away in 2000.

[@faroshscale]

I started nervously stimming while you were describing the test lol, im actually getting mine on Tuesday.

[@faroshscale]

Update: I'm autistic skdgskshs

[@brettburnside1457]

47, undiagnosed. I've lost everything and am living again with my aging parents. I was on disability 10 yrs ago for ptsd but was kicked off when I discontinued my therapy and attempting to return to work. I had a little success as I actually held a job for two years, but eventually it all ended. Currently on a wait list to get tested by Tulane in New Orleans 🤞

[@myimperfectlife2023]

Good luck 🤞🍀. I'm 46 & am currently attempting to get an appointment to get screened for ASD. So far I have no luck getting a person on the phone. It's a little frustrating.

[@ElfaBenny]

I was diagnosed last year at the age of 24. We women mask the symptoms a lot, it makes everything very difficult. But now we can know ourselves, it's a relief to finally have the answer. (I'm from Brazil)

[@Hispanicwoman]

I stared at your cat sitting on the chair, the whole time until they jumped down. Thanks for sharing your story, I am almost certainly convinced that I have autism in some type of way, and that feel that I've always had the same issues in childhood that I have now. I'm looking into local areas where I can be tested. Be safe and well, lovely lady!

[@Makingofabetterlife]

I was diagnosed at 35. I am now fifty. Thank you for sharing ❤️💗

[@Autmazing]

Thank you! ❤️

[@JoyFay]

Please how did the diagnosis help you? And how did you go about getting diagnosed? I’m in my mid-thirties, and I’m seriously considering getting a diagnosis because I need help with constant severe burnout, social mishaps which leads to bullying and depression.

[@Makingofabetterlife]

@@JoyFay Start by taking autism tests online. If you score close to 100 on everything you might then take that to a Doctor and ask where you could get officially diagnosed. It is a shock to the system to realize I was actually autistic. Things I thought were my quirks turned out to be classic autism. Like, the lights in grocery stores being loud and arm flapping when happy to name a few.

[@Makingofabetterlife]

@@JoyFay It helped me know my limits. 🥰

[@JoyFay]

@@Makingofabetterlife thanks for responding

[@anguskisses112]

I'm so relieved for you, Cammie. What an interesting diagnostic process and evaluation. I think you are such a beautiful spirit and outstanding momma. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us!

[@averee1562]

Oh my gosh I have been watching a lot of diagnosis processes for different people and it was really relieving to find that both of our evaluations were very similar! I was super anxious about the tests and going through the diagnosis process so I wanted other people’s perspectives to prepare. I actually started to cry of frustration during the X space bar test aaannnd I fell asleep during the beeping space bar test (they asked me to not take any caffeine or stimulant meds before those tests). I’ve already been diagnosed and medicated with major depressive disorder, GAD, and ADHD at 18 years old (I’m 20 now) and my psychiatrist has dropped hints that I have bipolar type 2. I recognize that I am so lucky and privileged that I got an appointment completely covered by my insurance and about a week or two after I called, I got my first intake interview. My tests have been spread out so much. Including the interview, I’ve had 3 appointments total and I still have 2 more in a couple weeks, the ones I have coming up are 1-on-1 appointments with my psychologist. I’m so nervous to get my final report. I’m sure I’m autistic and maybe have some other comorbid conditions. I still live with my parents and I haven’t told them yet that I’m going through this process… I’ve been in therapy for several years now and I’m planning to sit them down for a family session once I have my full report. Hopefully it’ll open their eyes and change their mind about my sibling who’s wanted an evaluation for a while but they’re still a minor and my parents are a bit close minded (ie “You’ve always done well in school,” “You don’t act like [insert stereotype],” “You developed so normally, everything about you was normal”) I’m looking forward to getting the evaluation process over with and finally have some answers. Maybe I’ll update this comment once I get my report (if I remember)

[@averee1562]

I got my full report a couple weeks ago! And I was diagnosed with ASD level 1, along with some other things such as OCD and PTSD. Still not sure if I want to share with my family but it’s been great having some answers and getting a confirmation of the things I believed. I’m really happy and I hope that if anyone’s reading this and they feel afraid, I know. It’s okay to feel scared. But you can do it!

[@madison2616]

Thank you for sharing your story! I am getting feedback at the end of this month to determine if I’m autistic or not. Never thought I’d be going for an evaluation ,until it started affecting my daily living skills more than usual. I know that whatever outcome I get , will be a new path to start healing myself, but I can’t help but be scared at the fact that what if they tell me there’s nothing wrong with me and I’m not autistic.

[@swayleemo5001]

im so upset im crying my whole life ive had autism never fit in been obsessed with one thing i was so obviously autistic as a kid but as an adult i still do not have a diagnosis im so frustrated with the bias twoards me because im a large black man and ive gotten very good at masking my autism i just told a psychiatrist my truth and they didnt listen at all they just kept trying to bring it back to behavioral diagnosis they read old files instead of listening to me im gonna get an evalutation but the stigma is so real autism is not obvious we work are whole lifes to hide it so we dont get made fun of or so we can hold a job i I literaly told them that every symtom of autism is dead on with me and they keep asking about bipolar symtoms which i dont have my whole life ive never gotten the help i need and now im trying to adress it because its obvious i dont want to be autistic i tryed everything to act like a normal person tryed to memorize social cues body language but im living a lie

[@shaunalea823]

Thankyou for sharing, I'm the same age as you and I never remember autism Being talked about, it wasn't diagnosed like it is now. I'm so glad you got answers and I hope you feel good about it.

[@mindymeek2]

"This is getting very very long" ----um, no, it's necessary. I know the reason you even feel anxiety that pushes you to say that. I hope you are able to just do you and not worry about what others may be thinking. Cause one day I might, too. Until then, I really dislike NT interactions as a whole but I don't have any aversion to them. And still keep on existing, in a way that no one excepts my actual existance as real.

[@cooltaylor1015]

I am male, 37, and did this assessment yesterday

[@deltaflute03]

It’s really a common thing that autistics score very high in one area and lower in another. My oldest took an IQ test as part of a school evaluation and his scores in different areas were all over the place. My youngest took an IQ test for an evaluation for dyslexia. His scores were across the board average. Outside of the youngest child never showing any typical signs of ASD, this just confirmed that my oldest child has ASD and my youngest does not.

[@camiioan822]

This sounds so much of how my entire school years have been (I’m 24 and my psychologist just recently told me that I’m autistic).

[@deekrebs592]

My nephew was 12 when he had to do a report on a type of disability. Living on central WI, back in the 90's, he had no internet access. I printed out loads of information and faxed it up to him. After reading through all the info, he went to his Mom and said, "Mom, this sounds a lot like me." So my sister took all the info, read through it, and went back to my nephew and said, "Joe, this sounds a lot like me, too." They were both diagnosed with ADD. Unfortunately the school district refused to help my nephew at all. They ended up moving closer to Milwaukee and their new local school district immediately put him in an alternative High School. It was exactly what he needed and he even graduated early!! My sister went back to school and was given many adaptations so that she could do better in her classes. I think it happens all the time.

[@gingercultleader5500]

You talking about the college literature was scarily relatable.

[@caleigh3007]

I’m 18 and was diagnosed with ADHD this year, but I still think there’s more then just ADHD, when you mentioned the college lectures, it totally reminded me of myself and my everyday thoughts. I don’t know how to mention it to my mom because she was already in denial of my adhd and still kinda is, there was a way for me to get a IQ testing at my school but it was $2000 which my family can’t afford, and I was really hoping to get it because I feel like it could’ve given me more answers on why I struggle so much education and social wise. I have no idea what to do because I just know there’s something else doing on with my brain I can’t pick up on normal conversations and meanings which is very stressful when you’re a teenage girl and a human who actually enjoys socializing with people a lot of the time! ☹️

[@Emily-jd2sh]

Congrats, your IQ is definitely above 150 if you didn't pay $2000 for an IQ test.

[@Madmontyjam]

My assessment was absolutely nothing like your assessment 😮 Few hours talking about my life n then spent like an hour reading a story book, putting colour shapes into a pattern on a piece of paper, n then make up a story with 5 inanimate objects. Thank you for your video. Much love to you n your loved ones 💕

[@Autmazing]

That sounds just like my oldest daughter's assessment.

[@AutismInColor]

I was recently diagnosed with ASD, Specific Learning Disorder in Mathematics, and Social Anxiety Disorder at my college’s psychology center in March. I remember doing that test with the X on the computer, and I honestly thought there was a malfunction in the programming😂.

[@margiethomas8]

Hi, what type of experience did you encounter with math in your life? Were you aware of a disability?

[@briannas.6741]

Thanks for this! I have the first part of my test coming up in a few weeks. A little nervous, but videos like these help a lot :-)

[@Autmazing]

You’re welcome! Good luck with your test. I hope you get the answers your looking for.

[@ProCabs-Azzi]

I hope that my tests will be that intense.😬 It has been years of living with a brain fog for me with no support. I also have C-PTSD, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Alopecia Areata.

[@BrekMartin]

Mine is tomorrow. It’s supposed to be a one off assessment that takes 2.5 hours. Anxiety is quite high, but I’m not sure why that is, or how emotionally invested in the diagnosis I am.

[@ProCabs-Azzi]

I'm on maximum daily dosage of Sertraline 200mg and awaiting assessment from NHS, which is 24-30 months from June 2023. I'm now 43.

[@Autmazing]

I hope it goes well for you and you get some answers.

[@iseonilynne2814]

I wonder if I'm on the spectrum, but my background makes it hard. I loved talking in college class mostly because I always thought everyone else was just WRONG, but everyone thought I was nuts. My religion and philosophy/ethics professor LOVED me. But the rest all rolled their eyes. I'm dyslexic and I compensated with a strong vocabulary...but I just don't know.

[@peekaboo7424]

I’m about to go through an ADOS2 as the final stage of my adult autism assessment. So nervous. Been told not to plan anything afterwards or the day after because it can cause meltdowns. Not looking forward to it.

[@callmescout5831]

I had my evaluation yesterday for autism. They threw me for a loop before the appointment by switching it from in person to telehealth. It was incredibly stressful, but I made it through. She asked if I had any questions and the only one I could think of was which way was she leaning in her decision. She diplomatically answered that she had to get together with the main doctor of the practice to go over what she had gathered with what was gathered today plus the questionnaire that I filled out. But, that I definitely had signs and symptoms of ASD. Now, I wait. She said someone would call to set up an actual in office appointment to go over the results. How, just how do you get through this waiting period? I thought the waiting for the evaluation was tough, it’s nothing compared to this! I keep going over and over the appointment in my head lol. Anyway, sorry to vent.

[@ronoberleitner7547]

Hope things worked out for you re getting the results, and Thanks so much for sharing your experience. if you don't mind me asking, what about the appointment being via telehealth did you not like?? was it the surprise of changing from InPerson to telehealth, or is there something else about telehealth that makes it more stressful? I'm a dad of a young man who was diagnosed years ago, and very interested in new ways telehealth could support the autism community to get ongoing access to care and support. only if the community thinks it is valuable. thanks again for sharing your experience.

[@callmescout5831]

@Renee M I got my official diagnosis September 3rd!!! Let me know how it goes Friday! Is it in person or telehealth?

[@callmescout5831]

@Renee M I would definitely seek a second opinion if you can. Or embrace your self diagnosis. ***you definitely don’t have to answer this next question *** did you have childhood trauma? Even if you did doesn’t mean that’s where anything comes from! And even if it did no shame! But, if you question the findings no harm in getting a second opinion. Something about the wording just leads me to think it sounds exactly like you should’ve received an autistic diagnosis. Good luck whatever you decide to do, I know regardless it can be a lot to take in!

[@Touay.]

I'm 48 and self-diagnosed as Autistic. I've never managed to maintain a relationship and gave up long ago. I have been, generally, ok work wise as I am very lucky to have a high IQ. Sadly, my attempt to get assessed for autism by the national health service in the UK came to nothing, as the guy I saw could not see past my mask. Tempted to try again but I don't know what benefit it would be. most of the time, being on my own is the way I like it ... much easier, but there are days when it is .... not so good. not sure why I am writing this tbh, but I guess see the comments on videos like these at least lets me know that there are others out there, it isn't just me. I guess that I have come back to these vids as I came across someone IRL who is really expressive (she is from a more expressive country than England) and it is so strange to actually be able to read flashes of expressions on her face ... even the times when it is annoyance. I am frustrated that, after having given up on relationships, to come across someone I can, at least a little, read, but that person is unavailable. is there someone else out there who I can read and therefore may at least have the possibility of maintaining a relationship with, or should I just leave that side of me as dead as it was before? (rhetorical question) ... thanks for reading and I hope that wasn't too depressing! :-)

[@MrErick1160]

I’ve had this x test which I do very well however I still have adhd. I think it’s because I’ve played FPS games for so long these tests are still extremely easy for me even if my adhd is really severe to a point I’m almost not functional

[@splinterpack1310]

so glad i found your channel in a sea of autism-parent we need a cure ridiculousness..... a breath of fresh air

[@ilapadilla4350]

I’m 49 and gonna make an appointment tomorrow

[@abelinhaTKM]

Cammie, did you go through the ADOS-2 module 4, the one for adults? I'm really nervous about not knowing what to expect. I'm already diagnosed, but I'm doing a complete neuropsych evaluation for further details. My original one was not detailed at all.

[@secs3]

did you ever go over your autism Google doc? I really really wanna learn about what's in it... Im really confused on whether I might be autistic or not and I think this would help me

[@dimpsthealien333]

Wow. Thank you for sharing. I'm a 50 y.o. female and I am wondering if I should attempt to get assessed. I really believe I do have ASD though.

[@fredconlon135]

It's funny, I saw a video where you were talking about the signs your youngest had autism, and I thought "oh, this lady has autism like her kids, that's where they inherited it. I can tell by her eye movements and facial expressions." But then you never mentioned it, so I figurd I was wrong. But then I went to you main page, and saw this video! I was right lol. (I have ADHD and am hypersensitive to peoples behavior/expressions, I don't think most people are sensitive like I am to the kind of stuff like eye movements, so don't worry.)

[@madeleinbronner3943]

What kind of Dr you had to see to get the test?

[@yasuewho480]

If I recall correctly, someone out there is studying the way some women have this lift in depression. I encountered it in a podcast, I think. It may be worth it to watch for info on treating people who suffer from this type of depression with more specific treatments. For example, it seems they've figured out that gut flora, certain vitamin intake and the ability to metabolize some things like vitamins and meds may greatly effect some people with depression. For example, metheylated vitamin B (specific type) and D helps some people with depression a great deal. Perhaps they will understand what changes in some women's bodies that provides relief. :)

[@Mrfurball25]

Lol it looks like your cat wanted to be in the video 🐈 I was always quite in school and I hated it when someone would ask me why I don't talk.

[@Autmazing]

Snowball always tries to take over! I usually have to crop out about ten instances of him brushing against the lens of the camera. 😂

[@EB64915]

Me too on the talking! I was known as the quiet girl in school by almost everyone

[@jessiewrites4753]

I have my testing today. I’m so nervous. I’m 28

[@qadanhibo4485]

Iam 22 I don't know if iam autistic but I have low eye contact I don't like to talk in front of more people I like to be a lone I don't have any friends except my husband

[@thecoloursofasd-bykristiel6221]

It was the same for me when pregnant

[@ronoberleitner7547]

thanks so much for sharing your journey. did you need to pay privately for the battery of tests you took on the evaluation day, or did insurance pay for the testing?

[@Autmazing]

They actually did cover it, which we were surprised by. My doctor wasn't sure that they would and one of the things that delayed me going in for so long was that I didn't think it would be covered. But it ended up being 100% covered, which was a huge relief.

[@ronoberleitner7547]

@@Autmazing Thanks for the quick response, and for all of your contributions. Really interesting.

[@craigcarter400]

I haven’t been officially diagnosed with ASD or ADHD but probably would be if I got seen by the proper medical personnel. Will be 38 in January.

[@mkpleco]

Thanks for the info.

[@craigcarter400]

I am not sure how far I am from being called for the UW Tacoma Autism Center

[@craigcarter400]

Update : I haven’t lived in that area for two years now. Plus don’t have the $$ right now anyways. I moved from WA to AZ for a year and I now have been in ABQ NM for over a year.

[@chichirinuriko20]

What is dysamia?

[@chichirinuriko20]

And Sadie is so sweet OMG!

[@Autmazing]

This is what I found from Mayo Clinic when I searched for an actual definition, because I wasn’t sure myself! “Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia (dis-THIE-me-uh), is a continuous long-term (chronic) form of depression. You may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, and have low self-esteem and an overall feeling of inadequacy. These feelings last for years and may significantly interfere with your relationships, school, work and daily activities.”

[@chichirinuriko20]

@@Autmazing Oh thank you. One more thing. Did doctors mis dx with like cluster B Dx like Borderline Personality etc? The reason I am asking you this is because When I was like 20( which is a long story) I was dx with depression, PTSD( I think) and Borderline Personality Disorder. However they dropped the BPD dx because they think I have it. I know alot of Autistic people especially those who are women and POC get misdiagnosis with it.

[@Autmazing]

Olive aka Olivia the lupus patient! I haven’t been, the only other diagnosis I was given was adjustment disorder after that first set of diagnoses. But reading through the description of symptoms I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a common misdiagnosis, because it seems like there’s a lot of overlap (at least in my personal experience of being autistic). Like the diagnosis checklist of signs I saw could have been me at 20 when I was depressed and reckless and hurting but isn’t now. So I can totally see how that could happen. ❤️

[@skateranddancer]

Olive aka Olivia the lupus patient! When I was 18-19 my psychologist told my mom he thought I was borderline. I saw him again at 26 and he made a comment that he couldn’t believe I was doing so well....of course, I was masking. At 29 I was dx ASD.

[@angieogden2308]

My son has seen a phycatist but they haven't picked up on his autistic trates I know he has autism

[@swayleemo5001]

someone as intelligent as you and they gave it to you that easy they didnt even give me asbergers diagnosis when i was a kid but i didnt want tto be honest but still everyone knew it was obvious I could not do anything right I didnt get social cues i couldnt holdf a conversation I couldnt even makle a freind I talked over everyone and was unaware I couldnt change subjects i coul;dnt stand certain sounds but me being black and in denial they gave ,me a generael axiety disoprder when i needed help its so hard i hope i actualy get the right diagnosis at this next evaluatiion they are reluctant to diagnose african americans its messed up

[@maddyslilmisfitshouseofwon9692]

I could never talk in class it terafied me 🤦🏻‍♀️🙄 ps I'm also autistic 💗 I've also got sever ADHD 🙃

[@Autmazing]

It’s such a hard thing! Even now I don’t like talking in front of groups.

[@nyecore]

Did you have to take the test where you had to create stories? I did the last part of testing today and wanted to see if you did

[@brookeb5359]

I had to do that today during mine. Did you ever figure out what the purpose was? My book story was horrifying but my 5 object one wasn’t so bad lol

[@nyecore]

@@brookeb5359 yes. She told me that the purpose was to measure imagination and ability to think abstractly.

[@brookeb5359]

@@nyecore thanks! I think I failed that then lol. Since I’ve got home I’ve thought of so many clever things I could have said but in the moment it was like pure panic and I was just stating what I saw happening on the pages.

[@strictnonconformist7369]

@@nyecoreI find that sort of assessment for an adult a bit odd, as an adult with enough experience in life I'd expect could spit out something based on their lived experience, including reading enough books and other media. More often than not, most stories created really aren't new unique creations of any significant differentiation from others.

[@suzannewing7574]

As an autistic women I would not have the patience for the test.

[@colombiangirl231]

Was this the ADOS-2 test?

[@stevedryden803]

are you in the USA? you are making me so nervous

[@AtypicalPaul]

Great video

[@colleenshaw1607]

my history.... Jump cut... ZOOM KITTIE!!! Now that my adhd is satisfied, please go on 😁

[@brookefossett1026]

Hi much love

[@DiariesofaDisabledmom]

Why did you change your name lol luckily I was diagnosed at 7 but this is very interesting.

[@kamirose6742]

OMG You are the only one I've heard who had the same experience of having a block of years either pregnant or nursing where you had no depression or anxiety but had it before and after.

[@runer007]

2:56 Ups a cat came by :)

[@swayleemo5001]

ive been evaluated before as a kid and it shouldlve been obvious these tests are bullshit honestly people can overcome alot of these stereotypical symtoms it makes me so mad il never get the help I need

[@marjoriejones8280]

My insurance won't even cover a pediatric dose I could use for anxiety. Being told not "to worry about it ", doesn't seem to help when I get hit with more bills than I can handle when homeless. I'm caught in a politically correct world where disabilities of different kinds are not considered. 3 1/2 years homeless with non truths and blame for things that fit agendas are excuses when your not liked (different is less for SOME)

[@krazi77]

why do you have a high security door on your kitchen? if you are raising teenagers, I understand. my kids eat like horses.

[@selviani100]

Hi Cammie. May I know your Instagram account name? I wanna know more about ASD from you.

[@KieraCameron514]

Ah, show the cat.

[@SuperNovaJinckUFO]

Okay, why's this 25 year old claiming to be 37?