So today was the third part of my diagnostic evaluation at the autism center. This time I met with a psychiatrist. I was even more nervous about this meeting, partly because we are getting closer to the end but also because I really didn’t know what to expect from him.
I guess it went okay. I felt a bit out of it at times, like I wasn’t giving very clear or concise answers, but I guess that’s part of the point – that he gets to see how I think and what I feel about stuff. He did ask a few specific questions about my childhood, mostly about school and friends, as well as some stuff about work and friends I have now.
He also went through a list of characteristics to see how I would describe myself. Worrier – check. Trouble with transitions – check. Like to keep feelings to myself – check. Easily frustrated – check plus! There were others, but I can’t remember them all.
In about three weeks, I will go back and meet with the first psychologist for a feedback session.
Today was also the first day for Michael’s babysitter. My first choice actually had to back out because her mom’s car got totaled, but I found another person who seems like he will be good. He has a lot of experience with kids, all his clearances, and is studying Sociology in college.
So that seems like a good transition, but unfortunately we just found out that my son’s behavioral support person (who mainly spends time with him at school plus a few hours at home) has resigned and her last day is this Friday. 
We don’t know how long it will take them to assign a new person, so I am talking with the school about an interim plan. He has been doing so well, but his behavior plan is pretty intensive, so the teacher really can’t implement all the supports herself. I am hoping the school will step in until the agency can provide a new person, and that I don’t have to fight too hard to get them to do the right thing.
I hope things are going well for Michael and you. I’m sure you are counting the days until you get the results of your evaluation process.
Hugs,
Sue
Sue, thank you for the virtual hugs! I can’t believe how long this whole thing has taken and am so looking forward to getting past this part of the process.
Sorry I haven’t been around to comment in a while. I’ve been following your evaluation updates with great interest, and I actually came here specifically to make sure I didn’t miss a more recent one. I’m interested in your experience in general, and also because you’re getting evaluated so close to me (geographically). But my interest is mostly in your experience in general. I’m glad everyone has been kind and gentle, and that it seems to be, if not a “great” experience (just because I know there are probably a lot of conflicting and confusing emotions), it’s at least a positive one. I’ve heard about some undeniably negative ones, so I’m very glad it’s going well for you, and I’m looking forward to your next update.
Thanks, Emily. I was very fortunate to even get in to the center without going on the year-long waiting list. Since I had taken my son there several years ago when they first opened, they considered that to qualify me as an existing client and I only had to wait a couple of months to get started. Still, this has felt like forever, and, yes, my emotions have been all over the place!