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Autism assessment due. What can I expect?

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qwan
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17 Apr 2012, 1:42 pm

I finally have my assesment due next month, after half a year of waiting.

I'm a bit nervous I'll get told I'm being stupid and I just suck with social cues because I simply over think tbh. Do they have any possible options for you if they decide you don't qualify for autism, like similar disorders (don't ask me what like, I'm just confused haha).
Or do you just get left hanging or feeling stupid?

I certainly have traits but everyone does as its just a spectrum and it's taken me ages to feel able to talk about it. >.>;

Does anyone have any idea of what to expect? Or is it too broad a question. I'm told it'll take 3 hours.

What sorts of things might they ask?
My moms going with me, what sorts of things might they ask her?
Do I need to perform tasks or do any tests, or is it all just talking about experiences?
How long did it take until you heard something back?
Etc etc. =/

I'm just a bit nervous.

I always worry people think I'm being over the top because I am so skilled in over-thinking everything. A psychiatrist even wrote down that I didn't have depression when it's fairly obvious I have severe depression and cyclothymia (the GPs said to take no notice but it still bothered me).



EstimatedProphet
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17 Apr 2012, 1:58 pm

I'm eagerly awaiting a response to this because I also have the same fear you do. I've seen therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists before and they haven't exactly left me feeling very good about the profession. I'm just afraid they'll tell me I don't have AS and I just need to start thinking differently. They always seem to trivialize my problems and act like changing the way I think should be easy as pie. Maybe it should be and I really don't have AS, but I sure as hell don't want to know because then I have no explanation other than I'm just a weak person. Just the thought of it sends my mind to dark places.



Guineapigged
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17 Apr 2012, 2:04 pm

I have my assessment next month, too! We're both in the same boat.
I have the same fear of being told that I'm just lazy and boring. :oops:

If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts are you having your assessment? (I noticed you are also in the UK).
I would love to hear people's experiences from here in the UK specifically as the diagnostic process here seems to differ from in the US.



Tomasu
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17 Apr 2012, 2:17 pm

^^ Yaye greetings qwan and everyone,

I believe that I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism by a happy lady within February 2009. ^^ I believe that prior to my little assessment, my family was provided with a little questionnaire. I believe that this little questionnaire listed a number of traits and mannerisms and asked if I possessed these traits and mannerisms on a little scale. I believe that this scale contained points very similar to "Never", "Frequently as a child", Frequently as a child and this still persists". I am very sorry everyone as I believe that my memory pixies have left me and I may not quite remember if this is correct.

^^ I believe that within my little assessment, I first entered a room containing the lady with my parents and the lady spoke with me and my parents. I believe that this lady asked me regarding my interests and my university and perhaps also my friends etc (yaye and my kitties also). I believe that the lady also discussed my mannerisms with my happy parents. I think that during some times I was alone with the lady and some times my parents were alone with the lady and at some times both myself and my parents were with the lady.

^^ I believe also that the lady provided me with a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism at the end of this little assessment.

I am very sorry if this is not very helpful for you.

(Also I am very sorry as I do not believe that I possess autism, in spite of my diagnosis from the lovely lady).


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Jtuk
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17 Apr 2012, 2:18 pm

qwan wrote:
I finally have my assesment due next month, after half a year of waiting.

I'm a bit nervous I'll get told I'm being stupid and I just suck with social cues because I simply over think tbh. Do they have any possible options for you if they decide you don't qualify for autism, like similar disorders (don't ask me what like, I'm just confused haha).
Or do you just get left hanging or feeling stupid?

I certainly have traits but everyone does as its just a spectrum and it's taken me ages to feel able to talk about it. >.>;

Does anyone have any idea of what to expect? Or is it too broad a question. I'm told it'll take 3 hours.

What sorts of things might they ask?
My moms going with me, what sorts of things might they ask her?
Do I need to perform tasks or do any tests, or is it all just talking about experiences?
How long did it take until you heard something back?
Etc etc. =/

I'm just a bit nervous.

I always worry people think I'm being over the top because I am so skilled in over-thinking everything. A psychiatrist even wrote down that I didn't have depression when it's fairly obvious I have severe depression and cyclothymia (the GPs said to take no notice but it still bothered me).


Have a look here: http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc_tests

These are the actual tests they may use. Take a look at the AAA one, it shows a sample RQ (relatives questionnaire) on the third sheet.

They might administer an IQ test, but that would most likely take longer than 3 hours.

Jason



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17 Apr 2012, 2:36 pm

I'm extremely displeased with how the NHS has dealt with me regarding AS. I've now been waiting a year and I still have no idea when someone is going to see me. My GP referred me wrongly and it took them all a very long time to realise it. So everything is severely delayed and who knows when I'll be seen. I saw an ADHD specialist a few weeks ago (by mistake of my GP) so I wasted about 3/4 hours with him to tell me I don't have it, which I already knew. He wrote up a report about me full of mistakes and inaccurate information about me that I now have to tell whoever sees me for AS is false. He wrote that I "enjoy socialising", which is wrong. And also insinuated to me, and in the report that I probably don't have AS (he's not even a specialist). So when I read the report I was very upset and worried that I'll be misunderstood again and that my report for AS will be skewed, too.

My mum also didn't help and kept using the "overcome" word. She told me off for being upset about the ADHD report and said to me there's "nothing wrong" with me really. This made me more upset, because now I don't have the full support and understanding from her and I'm upset and frustrated that I'll now be told there's nothing wrong with me.... even when I KNOW it's more than just being shy. Much more.

How I'm dealing with this - I'm probably going to write a note to my mum explaining I want her to support me more (face to face is not good for me, plus we're not on talking terms right now). What I'm also doing is writing as much about me as possible. I think of all the questions I might be asked and I'll try and find answers for me by looking into my history.... childhood, school, university, now... what my difficulties are... why I think I have AS, etc. If you did this, you'll be surprised how much you'll write down after a while. Come prepared. Lots of information will help your diagnosis.

Don't worry. I'm feeling the same way you are. It's upsetting to think that you're looking for answers and you might be told you have nothing. It takes you back to square one... confused and unhappy with yourself. There are no explanations. If I were told I don't have anything my primary response would involve me bursting out crying... or maybe even anger. I just hope I get someone who knows what they're doing and doesn't have just one, stereotypical view on aspergers.

Just be honest, give as much detail as possible and make them understand why you want a diagnosis and what difficulties you're having. Good luck!



qwan
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17 Apr 2012, 2:42 pm

EstimatedProphet wrote:
I'm eagerly awaiting a response to this because I also have the same fear you do. I've seen therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists before and they haven't exactly left me feeling very good about the profession. I'm just afraid they'll tell me I don't have AS and I just need to start thinking differently. They always seem to trivialize my problems and act like changing the way I think should be easy as pie. Maybe it should be and I really don't have AS, but I sure as hell don't want to know because then I have no explanation other than I'm just a weak person. Just the thought of it sends my mind to dark places.


Same. =/
Psychiatrist in particular are generally very unhelpful people. They work with medical things, something they can 'fix'. If they can't fix it, you're at fault not them.
Because it seems that people with bipolar and cyclothymia dont respond well to antidepressants as well as unipolar depressives, its possible this is why his meds weren't helping. But he got in a mood, went bright red, rubbed at his face, let out a laborious sigh and told me I couldn't be helped.
Then wrote in my notes I wasn't depressed!



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17 Apr 2012, 2:57 pm

qwan wrote:
EstimatedProphet wrote:
I'm eagerly awaiting a response to this because I also have the same fear you do. I've seen therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists before and they haven't exactly left me feeling very good about the profession. I'm just afraid they'll tell me I don't have AS and I just need to start thinking differently. They always seem to trivialize my problems and act like changing the way I think should be easy as pie. Maybe it should be and I really don't have AS, but I sure as hell don't want to know because then I have no explanation other than I'm just a weak person. Just the thought of it sends my mind to dark places.


Same. =/
Psychiatrist in particular are generally very unhelpful people. They work with medical things, something they can 'fix'. If they can't fix it, you're at fault not them.
Because it seems that people with bipolar and cyclothymia dont respond well to antidepressants as well as unipolar depressives, its possible this is why his meds weren't helping. But he got in a mood, went bright red, rubbed at his face, let out a laborious sigh and told me I couldn't be helped.
Then wrote in my notes I wasn't depressed!


That's what I dislike about them, they seem unable to enter a proper open discussion with you. I had an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist about my ADHD meds, it lasted about 4 minutes and he asked me how it was helping, he nodded a bit, I said little more (I typically clam up in anything that smells like an interview), he said it all seemed fine. He then reported to my doctor that I didn't need them.

I complained to my GP, she said this happens a lot and referred me again, I forgot the appointment and that was that, door was slammed in my face.

Jason



EstimatedProphet
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17 Apr 2012, 3:02 pm

Jtuk wrote:
qwan wrote:
EstimatedProphet wrote:
I'm eagerly awaiting a response to this because I also have the same fear you do. I've seen therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists before and they haven't exactly left me feeling very good about the profession. I'm just afraid they'll tell me I don't have AS and I just need to start thinking differently. They always seem to trivialize my problems and act like changing the way I think should be easy as pie. Maybe it should be and I really don't have AS, but I sure as hell don't want to know because then I have no explanation other than I'm just a weak person. Just the thought of it sends my mind to dark places.


Same. =/
Psychiatrist in particular are generally very unhelpful people. They work with medical things, something they can 'fix'. If they can't fix it, you're at fault not them.
Because it seems that people with bipolar and cyclothymia dont respond well to antidepressants as well as unipolar depressives, its possible this is why his meds weren't helping. But he got in a mood, went bright red, rubbed at his face, let out a laborious sigh and told me I couldn't be helped.
Then wrote in my notes I wasn't depressed!


That's what I dislike about them, they seem unable to enter a proper open discussion with you. I had an appointment with an NHS psychiatrist about my ADHD meds, it lasted about 4 minutes and he asked me how it was helping, he nodded a bit, I said little more (I typically clam up in anything that smells like an interview), he said it all seemed fine. He then reported to my doctor that I didn't need them.

I complained to my GP, she said this happens a lot and referred me again, I forgot the appointment and that was that, door was slammed in my face.

Jason


Yeah, psychiatrists definitely aren't the way to go. If you want psychoanalysis you need to find a good psychologist and then if they think you need drugs they can refer you to a psychiatrist that will write you a prescription. Anymore psychiatrists won't even offer psychoanalysis; they want 15 minute drug prescribing sessions so they can get as many people through their door as possible.



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17 Apr 2012, 3:07 pm

Tomasu wrote:
I believe that I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism by a happy lady within February 2009. ^^ I believe that prior to my little assessment, my family was provided with a little questionnaire. I believe that this little questionnaire listed a number of traits and mannerisms and asked if I possessed these traits and mannerisms on a little scale. I believe that this scale contained points very similar to "Never", "Frequently as a child", Frequently as a child and this still persists". I am very sorry everyone as I believe that my memory pixies have left me and I may not quite remember if this is correct.


This is the questionnaire that my parents were given! Were you diagnosed at Sheffield, by any chance? This is where I've been referred to and your questionnaire sounds similar to mine.



qwan
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17 Apr 2012, 3:11 pm

Guineapigged wrote:
I have my assessment next month, too! We're both in the same boat.
I have the same fear of being told that I'm just lazy and boring. :oops:

If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts are you having your assessment? (I noticed you are also in the UK).
I would love to hear people's experiences from here in the UK specifically as the diagnostic process here seems to differ from in the US.


I'm going to one in Birmingham. I've read good things about it. I'm not sure if my brother got diagnosed there but don't want to talk to him about it as he doesn't think I have it even though he has to explain social cues and flirting and expressions to me >.> So you'd think I seem a bit more aspie than him. He often puts it as me 'playing dumb' even though I don't think he's saying it as an insult but as a statement. but why would I play dumb and get myself in deep s**t with people for attention? Especially as I'm not getting any damned attention to justify it lmao

How is the US one different??



Last edited by qwan on 17 Apr 2012, 3:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.

qwan
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17 Apr 2012, 3:14 pm

Tomasu wrote:
^^ Yaye greetings qwan and everyone,

I believe that I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism by a happy lady within February 2009. ^^ I believe that prior to my little assessment, my family was provided with a little questionnaire. I believe that this little questionnaire listed a number of traits and mannerisms and asked if I possessed these traits and mannerisms on a little scale. I believe that this scale contained points very similar to "Never", "Frequently as a child", Frequently as a child and this still persists". I am very sorry everyone as I believe that my memory pixies have left me and I may not quite remember if this is correct.

^^ I believe that within my little assessment, I first entered a room containing the lady with my parents and the lady spoke with me and my parents. I believe that this lady asked me regarding my interests and my university and perhaps also my friends etc (yaye and my kitties also). I believe that the lady also discussed my mannerisms with my happy parents. I think that during some times I was alone with the lady and some times my parents were alone with the lady and at some times both myself and my parents were with the lady.

^^ I believe also that the lady provided me with a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism at the end of this little assessment.

I am very sorry if this is not very helpful for you.

(Also I am very sorry as I do not believe that I possess autism, in spite of my diagnosis from the lovely lady).


This is great thanks. You're very positive, it's cute haha

Any experience will be helpful to myself and others so thanks a lot.
My family haven't gotten a questionnaire. They may give my mom one on the day.
The amount of stuff does explain the 3 hours though. DX



qwan
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17 Apr 2012, 3:15 pm

Jtuk wrote:
qwan wrote:
I finally have my assesment due next month, after half a year of waiting.

I'm a bit nervous I'll get told I'm being stupid and I just suck with social cues because I simply over think tbh. Do they have any possible options for you if they decide you don't qualify for autism, like similar disorders (don't ask me what like, I'm just confused haha).
Or do you just get left hanging or feeling stupid?

I certainly have traits but everyone does as its just a spectrum and it's taken me ages to feel able to talk about it. >.>;

Does anyone have any idea of what to expect? Or is it too broad a question. I'm told it'll take 3 hours.

What sorts of things might they ask?
My moms going with me, what sorts of things might they ask her?
Do I need to perform tasks or do any tests, or is it all just talking about experiences?
How long did it take until you heard something back?
Etc etc. =/

I'm just a bit nervous.

I always worry people think I'm being over the top because I am so skilled in over-thinking everything. A psychiatrist even wrote down that I didn't have depression when it's fairly obvious I have severe depression and cyclothymia (the GPs said to take no notice but it still bothered me).


Have a look here: http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc_tests

These are the actual tests they may use. Take a look at the AAA one, it shows a sample RQ (relatives questionnaire) on the third sheet.

They might administer an IQ test, but that would most likely take longer than 3 hours.

Jason


Thanks very much, I'll do that now. ^_^



DJames
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17 Apr 2012, 3:42 pm

I have an assessment in three weeks' time, so the responses generated by this thread will be of considerable interest.
What questions were put to your parents regarding your developmental history?



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17 Apr 2012, 3:52 pm

DJames wrote:
I have an assessment in three weeks' time, so the responses generated by this thread will be of considerable interest.
What questions were put to your parents regarding your developmental history?


From what I can remember:
Was your child slow to start speaking?
Did your child play well with other children?
Did you child dislike being held?
When did you suspect something was wrong with your child?
Did your child ever repeat phrases like a parrot?
Did your child ever rock, spin or flap their hands?

Things like that.



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17 Apr 2012, 3:55 pm

This is not something to prepare for. In fact, preparing may hurt the accuracy of your result.

Do you really want to be given an AS diagnosis if, in fact, you have something else?