My Impending Diagnostic Assessment

Post Reply New Topic

Hello,

So after about year of being on the CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) waiting list for a Asperger's diagnosis, yesterday I received a letter in the post from them to schedule my appoint with them; apparently, I am now at the top of their list. Anyway, I was just wandering what to expect when I have this meeting; what sort of questions they will ask me, how long the process will last etc.

Anyone that has gone through this process before (either via the 'CAMHS route' in the UK or elsewhere in the UK), it would be nice to hear some of your stories, experiences or any advice you may have for me. However, I would not mind if anyone diagnosed outside commented, either.

Thank you.

^^ Greetings KnarlyDUDE09. I am very sorry as I believe that I may not remember the services with whom I was happily diagnosed with high functioning autism at approximately 19 years of age.

^^ I believe that my parents were provided with a little questionnaire bforehand and this contained little statements of behaviour, for which my parents required to answer which of these I carried out as a child and still persist.

Within my little assessment, I believe that the lady was very lovely and asked me many questions, including interests and perhaps my routine. I am very sorry that I am not very skilled at remembering this.

It's alright that you don't remember everything; what you said has given me some insight into what I should expect to experience. Hopefully my assessment is as plain-sailing and as positive as you're seemed to be, and I too hope that my diagnostician is nice and good at their job. Thank you very much for your reply.

I am not from the UK. Sorry

That's ok; you can still share your experiences or give advice.

Hi KnarlyDUDE09

I am a mother with two sons diagnosed with aspergers. They are aged 13 and 14. For the diagnosis procedure my husband and I filled out several forms with lots of questions. The boys each had just two meetings with two different psychologists and after that the diagnosis was made. I am in Ireland but i'd guess its much the same in England.

Hope it all goes smoothly for you.

Thank you very much for your reply...and yes, I would presume the same or at least be the same or somewhat similar.

Thanks, again.

OK, so today I got a call from a Psychiatrist about my impending diagnostic assessment. I found out that my appointment is next Thursday. Can anyone help me understand what sort of questions they'll ask me or what to really expect from it.

Thanks.

I am an adult so no CAMHS for me. My GP referred me to a psychiatrist in Adult Mental Health (NHS) who had an interest in ASDs. I had three appointments (4 hours in total) and we basically just talked about my experience of life. I had to fill in a load of questionnaires too. I suppose he also observed my behaviour. He diagnosed me and then referred me to a specialist at the local autistic society. I finally saw that person after a year and went through the same stuff again but this time it was more of a structured interview. He confirmed the diagnosis saying that he's never seen someone who "ticked so many boxes" who hadn't been diagnosed before young adulthood.

In a way, it is better you not know what to expect. That way, your reactions will not be colored by foreknowledge of the procedures and you can get the best diagnostic result. All they are likely to do is ask questions and watch how you react. By knowing beforehand what this will be, you could subconsciously act more autistic than you otherwise would and get a false positive if you are not really autistic. Likewise, the reverse could also happen as well if you don't want to identify as autistic.

That is a good thesis that you have their, and I suppose you're right. I think I might just go into my assessment in a relaxed manner, and just be myself; nervous or not, at least the psychiatrist can get to know me better from their own evaluation of me as a person, without me knowing what to expect from my meeting with them. Also, that was I can talk about my lifestyle and experiences more, giving them a chance to conclude whether they think I have AS or not...thank you for your reply.