18 Comments
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Susan Earlam's avatar

Congratulations. I'm so glad you've done this for yourself. The validation must be totally overwhelming, but in a good way. Looking forward to reading more x

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Becky Handley (she/they)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Susan. 🖤

It has been validating but also very overwhelming. Weirdly enough it was also overwhelming when he began discussing follow up care with me because I really wasn’t expecting it! I had so prepared myself for a bad experience or for it at least be very clinical. I was not ready for positivity, kindness and care.

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Susan Earlam's avatar

Yeah, like remembering those things actually can exist in that kind of environment. ❤️

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Ren Riley's avatar

Congratulations Becky 💙 Try and give yourself grace and gentleness, I remember how the immediate post-diagnosis days felt for me - lots of questions and ‘aha that’s why I did that thing ten years ago’ moments. Hope it provides some clarity for you 😊

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Becky Handley (she/they)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Ren. 🖤I will!

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Sarah Teresa Cook's avatar

Congratulations!! <3 hell yes.

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Becky Handley (she/they)'s avatar

Thank you! 🖤

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Jessica Alice's avatar

Congratulations!!!!! 🥳🥳🥳🎉🎉🎉

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Becky Handley (she/they)'s avatar

Thank you so much! 🖤

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Cary's avatar

It seems kind of weird to me to say congratulations for this, but I understand the sentiment. If nothing else, I'm glad you were able to go through the process, that it went well, and that you have some clarity and validation. My experience with my evaluation was very similar. The psychologist who did the assessment was great. We got along well, we joked. And I was doing it not in my native language, which added an interesting twist. Like you, I wondered if I had ADHD. It turns out that I have the H. My hyperactivity score was *super* high, but I was normal or maybe a little high in the other ADHD subscales. I also spent a lot of time telling myself, "look nothing has changed, you've always been autistic." But I was on an emotional rollercoaster at first, you know, between 'oh my god, I'm autistic,' and 'okay, knowledge power and nothing has changed." It took me several days before I kind of evened out. But yeah, the whole process was wonderful and I'm glad I went through it.

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Becky Handley (she/they)'s avatar

Thank you, Cary. I am glad you had a good experience too. Yes, I am still feeling a whole host of emotions and feel quite on edge. The littlest of noise is affecting me! But, I am hoping this passes soon. Thank you again. 🖤

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Jae's avatar

Congratulations, Becky! So much to be proud of in how tenacious and wise you've been in this process. I'm buzzing for you. My partner got their diagnosis last week too! Lots of processing here, so sending lots of love if that's the case for you as well 🖤

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Becky Handley (she/they)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Jae. 🖤 Please give your partner my congratulations! There is, indeed, a lot of processing so thank you. 🖤

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Elly Marie (she/her)'s avatar

I’m glad you have had a positive experience with diagnosis. I’m currently wondering if it is worth saving up to go privately or wait it out via nhs.

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Becky Handley (she/they)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Elly. 🖤 I have answered your message but I will also talk about my assessment journey in my next letter. Thank you. 🖤

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Janelle Hardacre's avatar

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ So pleased for you, Becky. Lots of love Janelle xx

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Becky Handley (she/they)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Janelle. 🖤

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Witchsmith's avatar

Best wishes to you, I wonder where this diagnosis will lead you to in life?Possibly connecting more with others who share a sense of belonging with you.Beautiful make-up btw, I love your look.Bright blessings to you.🙏

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