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This means some people, especially autistic females, are diagnosed much later than other people. There are also neurodivergent females who are diagnosed in schools though (I was one of these!). It sounds really frustrating that all you want is to feel listened to - by professionals who should be listening - and yet you still do not feel heard.
Has anyone indicated a timeframe for the assessment at the moment? Could someone sit with you whilst you make the call - would that help at all? I am also aware that doodling whilst on the phone can help many of us whilst we are needing to make phone calls. I wish the world was more accommodating but we are just not there yet I am afraid.
Until the world is more accommodating though, there are always things which can help make difficult things more manageable!! These things are never too big or too small, whatever works best for us. Some also allow emails, rather than phone calls, is this something which might be possible or could one of the professionals who are recommending this call on your behalf / with you?
We are with you and feeling physically sick about phone calls is something I can certainly empathise with and continue to battle!! You aren't alone, even if this feels isolating with things not being set up the way you need (and deserve) them to be
In the UK, there are less waiting lists for private assessments. Although these can be costly, there are also avenues for financial support to access these. Is there anything similiar where you are which might be possibilities?
The lack of support - at least ongoing support - sounds particularly difficult for you right now. Some resources you might find helpful are:
How do these sound? I know you don't have a diagnosis at the moment but they may still be able to support you through this process and, more generally, even without diagnosis. Quite a lot of services recognise there are barriers to diagnosis and are, therefore, still able to offer support.
Is talking to them about your communication needs/preferences/differences a possibility? I would hope this would be an option but I do recognise not everyone is there yet in terms of being this open I am afraid
I really hear you here Shannon and this is so true. Please don't test me on the statistic but I know there's a good chunk of people who don't receive a neurodiversity diagnosis until they're in adulthood, including a few of my friends. I think particularly with people masking and maybe not showing as noticeable symptoms, or coming under the term as "high functioning". We do know that neurodiversity is a spectrum, and how one person acts will not be the exact same as someone else. I also think it's particularly hard to change the mindset of people that think it's black or white. Just because you weren't diagnosed as a child doesn't make how you are feeling any less valid. Not everyone can get a diagnosis as a child, which doesn't make how you are feeling any less real for you. I'm sure you know more than me based on your own research you've been doing, but I just wanted to say I hear you loud and clear
This sounds really frustrating and so much to deal with. How are you holding up? I also wanted to ask if you feel comfortable sharing why your mum doesn't want to upload evidence of the household income? This is genuinely the standard practice for getting student loans as it just determines how much they can offer you based on the household income. You can find more information about the processes on the Government's website that might be able to answer any concerns or questions your mum has.
I'm also sorry to hear you're on the verge of being homeless Shannon. Do you have any support around you? You were so brave to reach out for support so I can only imagine how frustrating it was when they weren't listening to you. There are some other organisations that offer information online and some even have webchat options. I've popped a few down below for you to take a look at. Let me know what you think
Shelter offer advice and information on all aspects of housing or homelessness in the UK. They also have a webchat https://www.shelter.org.uk/
Housing Rights NI also offer advice and information, and they have a webchat https://www.housingrights.org.uk/
I was going to mention that your mum can fill it in without you knowing what the amount is but it sounds like you've exhausted all of the options. Is there anyone at college who might be able to help you with filling in the PIP? Citizen's Advice have useful information on filling it in too I've popped the link in here
I'm also wondering why you think you don't have any support Shannon, because from the sounds of things I think there are people who genuinely care about you and are there for you to lean on
I think you've already taking a huge step by joining us here at The Mix and sharing with us what you're going through. You have been so brave being open with us. Maybe this will help you to feel more comfortable opening up to your counsellor, youth workers or wellbeing officer. What do you think?
I completely hear you on this it must've felt so relieving to see you could email them but how disappointing they don't actually offer support through the email. I feel like that should definitely be made clear on their website! Feeling annoyed about this is completely valid and I'm here with you on that one.
I'm glad to hear that link helped you a little bit! Apologies I didn't even clock you're in Northern Ireland - online it does say someone could call on your behalf but you'd have to be with them. Does this sound like a possible option for you or not? Also, do you think you could contact your student wellbeing officer to see if she could meet with you sooner as the form is due in soon? With it being time sensitive she might be able to squeeze you in a bit sooner to make sure you have that support you need to get it filled in. It's super important you do fill it in and send it off soon as I'm sure this benefit would make a huge difference for you
It sounds really daunting that your support is coming to an end Shannon. I'm sure this has left you with all sorts of feelings and questions. I'm sending you hugs as you navigate this next chapter
Ah I've got you Shannon that makes sense for you to be scared about them getting involved if it makes it worse for you. You do deserve the support though and it's important you know that.
I don't think an email would be dramatic Shannon - I think this is a really good next step. She's there to help look after your wellbeing so you wouldn't be annoying her. You could also ask about support for the PIP form, even if she just sends an email with some advice for filling it out. How does that sound?
I realise I've asked quite a lot of questions and there's no pressure for you to answer them all! I just think they're worth considering as you decide what to do next. Just know we're here for you Shannon and I'm glad you were able to take that break. It's really important you look after yourself and listen to what your mind and body needs as it sounds like you've got a lot on your shoulders at the moment