Patient
The questionnaire took 30 minutes to fill out, even then I was rushing through it (Miss Woody later even made a comment that the questionnaire was practically a book). after finally finishing paperwork, they were getting ready to call me back but I could hear Miss Woody "whispering" about me behind the counter that my appointment was 30 minutes earlier and it seemed like they were going to make me reschedule but the lady at the front desk advocated for me, mentioning the paperwork. once I finally got into the room, Miss Woody pointed out that I struggle with depression and I corrected her, mentioning that I have in the past but not currently. She began flipping through the pages saying she's not sure how she could help me and I stated that I would like to connect with a counselor and was hoping to find resources for prioritizing my health and job connection, she never touched these topics again. As soon as I mentioned that I was autistic, Miss Woody's demeanor changed. She expressed concern that I wasn't making eye contact, I told her I'm more comfortable in her office not doing so (it's a lot of emotional energy to do so and it was progressively stressful to sit with her, as she expressed consistent signs of purposefully misunderstanding me and asking broad questions. and anyone who is educated in mental health knows that autistic people need direct and concise communication). She asked me "where are you on the spectrum", I told her I'm not sure what she specifically means by that, seeing that it was a very non specific question and there are many different terms for "placement" along the spectrum. I told her that I have trouble with holding down a job, time management, insomnia, most social situations, etc... she stated again that she doesn't know how to help me. She said she was concerned if I'm able to care for myself. I told her I do fairly well caring for myself, that's why I was there, to care for myself. She stated again she doesn't know how to help. She went on to ask why I was wearing a mask, I explained that I was, again, confused by her question, especially seeing that it was irrelavent, and she said that COVID is over. I explained masks are typically worn to protect against possible airborne illnesses and it's another simple way to care for myself, to protect me and others from common airborne illnesses. She pushed it further and told me that I was living in fear and I explained that I wear it out of basic precaution and that it sounds like she lacks education and understanding about the issue and it's somewhat ableist to say what she was saying. She told me she was baffled that I would assume that she, a 65 yr old woman, lacks understanding. She made it very clear that she doesn't understand how to even hold a conversation with an autistic adult. She again stated she didn't know how to help me. She repeated this statement after every answer I gave, at least 6 times throughout our 5-10 minute interaction that she doesn't know how to help me, although I had made my intentions of being there clear as soon as I walked into the private room with her. I told her that since she doesn't know how to help, then I will leave and I began walking out of the door and she began gaslighting again, protesting that she never said that she doesn't know how to help me. I already struggle with medical trauma and Miss Woody's hostile and ableist rhetoric and gaslighting only made it worse. At no point did I feel safe, heard, or even humanized. It's comforting to know that I never have to interact with this social worker again and I would highly recommend that she retire.