Autism Assessment Informant Question

Francesca22
Francesca22 Online Community Member Posts: 17 Connected
in Autism and neurodiversity

Hi, I am about the take the first step of going to the GP for an autism assessment referral. I am 60 and I understand you have to have an informant that attends the assessment? The problem is I am 60 and my mum is in her 80’s with poor health so she couldn’t really attend. I don’t have anyone else that could be an informant. Does that mean I wouldn’t be able to be assessed? I really need a diagnosis as it would help, my life has been a car crash when it comes to friendships (social or romantic), obsessions, work and other things. Any advice would be great.

Comments

  • Francesca22
    Francesca22 Online Community Member Posts: 17 Connected

    Thank you for so much information that’s very helpful. I have my GP appointment in 2 weeks time and will make notes of what I want to say.

  • Jimm_Alumni
    Jimm_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,717 Championing

    Hi, I have not gone through an Autism assessment but I went through an ADHD assessment. Nobody had to attend the assessment with me, but one of my parents and my partner had to fill in an extensive questionnaire about my behaviours and history of behaviour.

    I know it's not exactly the same, but thought it would be worth mentioning as they can be quite similar assessments!

  • Francesca22
    Francesca22 Online Community Member Posts: 17 Connected

    Thank you, that’s very helpful. I am a bit nervous about this as I tried to get an assessment back in 2004 but didn’t really get anywhere. I just hope they don’t say it’s simply social anxiety, depression or something like that as I know diagnosis in women can be more difficult. I’ve always found interacting with others and relationships extremely challenging plus there’s a lot more. I’ve learnt to mask things over the years as well.

  • Jimm_Alumni
    Jimm_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,717 Championing

    I actually had an autism assessment so young I can't even remember it. It came back as not having autism, but when ADHD was discussed they simply asked how I was doing in school. The answer was that I was doing great, so ADHD was completely ruled out.

    Took another 20 years until I was finally diangosed with ADHD. Our understanding of Autism and ADHD has come a long, long way since 20-30 years ago.

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