When I wondered if I were autistic in my third year of University, my psychologist told me that I wasn't autistic because I "could hold a conversation" with him

I was reviewing his notes today out of interest and he didn't even mention the topic, but I did find something else...

Apparently, I was diagnosed with ADHD at 12. My mother reported that medication was prescribed, but never taken, because she disagreed with the diagnosis

She also disagreed with me having ADHD when was being assessed by a psychiatrist when I was 18

That psychiatrist refused to diagnose because my mother's assessment of my symptoms didn't match my self-report. He was worried I was just looking for access to stimulants

I wasn't re-diagnosed with ADHD until 28, when I was assessed again for school. I have never been assessed for autism, despite asking for it, repeatedly

The scariest part?

In that first assessment I mentioned, in my third year of university, it says "...Maaya's strengths were in problem solving, goal setting, and being a 'good self-advocate.'"

I was a GOOD SELF-ADVOCATE and this was my diagnostic process. What if I wasn't? Would I even have a diagnosis now? Would I know about the dyslexia or the ADHD?

Would anyone have even noticed me struggling with reading... with life?

If there is a take-away from this, it's got to be:

* If you are seeking an assessment for yourself, FIGHT LIKE HELL to get it
* If you are seeking an assessment for a loved one, FIGHT LIKE HELL to get it

Never doubt your need to be assessed. Fight. Like. Hell. to be assessed