Good Morning Lovelies, 

Back in March, I was assessed and diagnosed with autism. Yet, I didn’t feel like it was the full story. I felt like some things on the spectrum fitted my personality and others were more centred on what I had learnt about ADHD. So, I decided in September to ask my doctor to put me forward for an assessment. 

After being forwarded some self-assessment forms to fill out, she stated that I definitely qualified for an assessment and passed my case on to the NHS Right To Choose service called Psychiatry UK. The people who had helped me with my autism assessment. 

The wait for this assessment was a little longer than the autism one, which I knew may be the case, due to reports and advice from my therapist and doctor. Yet, it was nowhere as long as some waits that friends of mine had experienced. In under a month, I had my appointment to be assessed all booked for 10am on the 9th December with a doctor of my choosing. 

Having looked at the ratings for the psychiatrist, I felt like I was going to be in safe hands and I definitely was. On the morning of my assessment, my internet decided to play up, which led to me being a bit late for the session. Yet, the doctor was perfectly calm and happy to chat to me for as long as needed to make sure we covered everything. 

Looking over the notes me and my mum had supplied her with, she asked me questions about how I deal with things now, what my childhood was like and my family’s mental health history too. Covering all topics in just over an hour, she ended the assessment with a diagnosis of Combined ADHD, which I agreed to treat with therapy based means. 

Whilst I have nothing against people using the medication, we both agreed that due to my eating disorder and anxiety disorder diagnosis, the medication would not work for me, as it could lead to complications. 

Throughout the whole process, I felt like I was informed about my care throughout and after the diagnosis, I was supplied with all the tools I needed to start understanding what having ADHD meant for me. As someone with both ADHD and autism, I am actually classified as having AuDHD, which is a bit of a mouthful but something I can accept. 

Learning about my diagnosis has brought a sense of calm into my life. I can now work on navigating my way through it knowing why my head or thoughts are the way that they are. I am beyond grateful to all of those who helped me and have helped me to get to this stage. 

If you are thinking about getting an assessment then I would definitely suggest Psychiatry UK, who have been fantastic both times I have used them. My referrals were made via my GP, who was also amazing. If you live near Hertford or Hoddesdon in the UK, I would also suggest being a patient at Amwell Surgery, as they are beyond amazing.  

I hope that this little random post can help some  of you lovely people and that if you are starting your journey too, please know that I am always here! The blog is a safe space for all always!

Joey X