"Autism diagnosis"

Alison was in charge of my diagnosis process. She provides a brilliant and caring service. She got to know me as an individual and treated me with kindness, compassion, and respect. She created a safe space for me which meant I was comfortable enough to be really honest about myself and that meant I got this diagnosis. Knowing that I am autistic has hugely, positively impacted my life. I have endured many, many incorrect diagnoses of various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders and more. I can't explain how drastically these wrong diagnoses impacted my quality of life. I felt like a failure all the time because I thought I wasn't acclimating or "working hard enough" because I was still having anxiety attacks as well as mental health issues all the time. Now I know that I am autistic I understand that I was actually experiencing was often sensory overwhelm and other autistic differences. I wasn't failing, I wasn't not doing the hard work. I am autistic. This diagnosis has given me the freedom to live my life, to understand myself and my needs. I am able to love myself and accept myself. I can cope with things that before would have sent me in a terrible downward spiral. I know the NHS is struggling. Please ensure that this service is always available as you will be ensuring this care for others like myself who desperately need it.