Follow on appointment with my clinical psychologist

[overthehills]

Today I have a follow up appointment with the clinical psychologist who diagnosed me with HFA/asperger syndrome. It's been a whole 12 months since getting diagnosed and this appointment is making me feel really anxious, I feel I should be prepared for this with a list of questions, with a diary of events. The truth is I haven't got anything prepared, well some notes but it doesn't feel enough. I feel this is an important appointment to gain professional advice/support, but I just can't manage to write down any questions. For most of the 12 months I think I have been in shock, but recently joined this group and now feel I can learn about Asperger.

If you had an appointment with a clinical psychologist, what question/s would you ask?

 

[artfull dodger]

When I meet with mine, we discuss any recent meltdowns or shutdowns. What I can remember happening prior to them as this can reveal some of the triggers that create them. Thus helping avoiding some of those meltdowns/shutdowns in the future. It was thru talking to my psyh that I figured out I needed a weighted blanket to sleep better, that I should wear a medical ID bracelet as I am prone to shutdowns when overloaded in public. During which I am usualy unable to speak or even move sometimes. I to was in shock at first, probably for atleast 6 months. But then my wife and I started reading books and online forums and thru acceptance that I am aspie, always will be aspie and that we both needed to learn to cope in a healthy way. This is where your Dr or therapist can guide and assist you in dealing with life better than you have in the past. Try to make a list of things that upset you, cause you anxiety. Anything that leaves you confused. If you have meltdowns/shutdowns, write about those. Maybe start keeping a daily journel till you learn to know when there is something important to write down. If you are unsure of what a meltdown/shutdown consists off. search here or even do a "autistic meltdown" and "autistic shutdown" over on youtube. There is also a live chat room here on the forum, usualy find someone in there to chat with. Accepting that your HFA/Aspie is the first step, welcome to the group! Now lets bring you up to speed on coping with it. Mike

 

[overthehills]

Thank you. A daily journal would help me keep records of events and my feelings, will help me explain them better to the psych. Your explanation of what happens in your meetings helps give me more information on what to expect. Doing research with your wife is what i need to do, as I feel she takes my asperger in a jokey way sometimes, she probably sees it is serious but I get confused if she's joking or not. I like this forum for short time I been here.

 

[Progster]

Go for a long walk, that might help you to relax, clear your head and then some ideas might come to you.