A while back we shared that James had started the formal assessment process for ADHD and autism — something that came out of conversations with doctors after weight loss surgery, when certain traits that had previously been masked became more visible.
We promised we’d keep sharing updates honestly, so here’s where things are now.
About to Start the Workshops
The assessment process has reached the point where the workshops are about to begin. For those unfamiliar with how adult ADHD and autism assessments work in the UK, the process typically involves a series of structured sessions — workshops, questionnaires, and clinical interviews — that build a picture of how someone functions across different areas of life.
Getting to this stage has taken time. The NHS waiting lists for adult neurodivergent assessments are notoriously long, and while we’re not going to pretend the wait has been easy, we’re here now and ready to get on with it.
Why the Process Has Been Fast-Tracked
Something we want to be open about is that James’s case has been speed-tracked through part of this process. That doesn’t happen automatically — it’s because the clinical picture raised enough concern to warrant moving faster than the standard timeline.
The main factors were the body dysmorphia — which we’ve written about separately — and the thoughts that come alongside it. When you have significant body dysmorphia after major weight loss, and you’re also dealing with ADHD traits, the combination can produce some genuinely difficult thought patterns. Intrusive thoughts about your body, a persistent sense that you haven’t done enough, difficulty accepting what you can see with your own eyes — it adds up, and it can become more than just uncomfortable.
The clinical team felt that getting James assessed and supported sooner rather than later was the right call given the full picture. And we agree.
Why We’re Talking About This
We share things on this site because we wish more people had shared them when we were going through the early stages of this journey. Nobody tells you that weight loss surgery can unmask neurodivergent traits. Nobody tells you that body dysmorphia after significant weight loss is a real and recognised thing that some people need clinical support for. Nobody talks about the fact that improved physical health doesn’t automatically fix what’s happening in your head.
If you’re post-op and struggling with how you see yourself, or finding that your thoughts about your body feel disproportionate or hard to control — please talk to someone. Your GP, your bariatric team, or a mental health professional. You don’t have to manage it quietly.
We’ll keep sharing how this progresses.
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience and is intended for general information only. It should not be taken as medical advice. Every journey is different, and it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances before making any medical decisions.