Autism assessment

Charlie5
Charlie5 Community member Posts: 85 Contributor
in Autism and neurodiversity

Hi to everyone

I have been on the waiting list now for just over a year to have a autism assessment.

However I am just wondering if anyone on having there assessment was told it was something different other than autism.I do realise there are many things that cross over into the world of austism within the assessment possibly.

Thankyou to anyone who maybe possible to answer my question.

Kind regards

Comments

  • AKR
    AKR Community member Posts: 175 Empowering

    When I had my (NHS) autism assessment I was given a diagnosis of autism via a comprehensive letter of diagnosis with reference to the DSM criteria for autism. The 3 stage assessment (a) initial screening, b) zoom consultation/interview, c) face to face consultation/interview) was not concerned with anything other than whether I satisfied the criteria for autism.

  • Charlie5
    Charlie5 Community member Posts: 85 Contributor
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/915032#Comment_915032

    Thankyou for replying to my question.I have had the questionnaire bit via my mental health nurse this was send to my local autism nhs assessment centre whom then send me another questionnaire letter which I returned back to them and then they let me know I was to be registered on there waiting list for a full assessment.Someone once told me I would not be put on the waiting list if they didn't think I had autism,they wouldn't waste there time or money to do so.

    I still know I will have to wait another 6 months to a year to be seen by them.

    Kind regards

  • Autism_at_40
    Autism_at_40 Community member Posts: 855 Pioneering
    edited October 5

    I don't know what else you would be diagnosed with other than Autism. However, I know that age old phrase that we all hate so much "everyone's a little bit autism" and the rise in people wanting a diagnosis, probably means that they are making sure more before putting people through.

    People can show traits of Autism, without actually being Autistic (I once saw something that said, it's like saying you're a little bit pregnant because you have backache or swollen ankles! You either are pregnant or you're not!! It's the same with Autism). Saves time putting people through who just have a few traits.

    I don't know if that answers your question.

    I only did the initial questionnaire and the zoom assessment, never had an in person one.

  • Charlie5
    Charlie5 Community member Posts: 85 Contributor
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/918009#Comment_918009

    Thankyou for your message it would very kind of you to reply.I am currently on the waiting list for a face to face assessment,its been 14 months now,but I was informed at the beginning it would be 18mths to 2 years,to be seen.In the meantime life goes on,but I do appreciate your experience journey.Take care x

  • Kaylen5
    Kaylen5 Community member Posts: 2 Listener

    Hi

    I had my assessment earlier this year and it is mainly aimed at looking for indicators of autism that match the criteria and they also ask to speak to someone who knows you well, or at least they did with me

    I was told when I went through the assessment that it is mainly for autism but that if the assessors thought it was something else like adhd then they will tell you and discuss how you could look into that if needed

  • Charlie5
    Charlie5 Community member Posts: 85 Contributor
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/937866#Comment_937866

    Hi and thankyou for your message,very kind of you.Thankyou for your inlight on your autism journey.May I ask once you had your asessment did it change your life(e.g you got help in your daily living) if it was needed or did your life afterwards pretty much stay the same.Thankyou again

  • Kaylen5
    Kaylen5 Community member Posts: 2 Listener

    Hi I was only diagnosed a few months ago so I am still getting my head around it but it does feel good knowing more about why I had so many issues with things

    As for support if you are given a diagnosis of autism then you should get a report which includes things you struggle with and the specialist team you see make an appointment and go through it but they ask what support you feel you need and they can make some referrals on your behalf such as to social services who can do an assessment of needs to determine your support needs

  • Charlie5
    Charlie5 Community member Posts: 85 Contributor
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/938048#Comment_938048

    Hi and thankyou for your message.its great to know about the support needed after the assessment.When I have my assessment I think it will be a great relief to me also for the outcome.I imagine now it will ne some time next year.I have been on the waiting list now for nearly 16 months.Thankyou again and take care

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