suspected to be on the spectrum

[Redgreenblue]

Hello,

I have been told multiple times to go to my GP from my partner to get assessed for autism. I have always suspected there was something different, and why I couldn't communicate as well to people as what others do, everyone makes it look so easy.

I need to find out what happens in the assessments first before I go any further.

[NotJim]

Hi Redgreenblue

I got an assessment as an adult (and am based in the UK). This was back in 2017 (so there may be a post-covid difference) but from what I can recall from my experience, I first went to my GP, they referred me to a social worker who then did what you might call a preliminary assessment to see if it should go forwards. When they decided yes it should, then an assessment was booked for several months later (because there's always a degree of waiting).

As the official assessment approached I was sent a number of questionnaires to fill out as honestly as I could about how I functioned in life etc., challenges I faced, stuff like that. I found these a bit fiddly because I could not give the full picture of my experience E.G., can you talk on a telephone? Yes or no? I had to answer yes because technically I could, but not without mimicking how my parents talked on the phone, or rehearsing beforehand. So I wrote these comments in the margins.

When it was time for the assessment I went with my mum for support ( I was 22 at the time but I appreciated having someone there, and they found it helpful to get details from her about my early years that I wouldn't have been able to supply myself). It went on for what felt like a couple of hours, the assessor reviewed the questionnaires as well, and asked a lot of questions. I found it quite tiring but I wanted to go through with it. (A friend of the same age went through the same process at a similar time and responded much more positively, so it is a personal thing). Then when it concluded I got the official diagnosis about 6 months later. (Yes, it did take a good few months. I believe I went in August and got the news in late Jan/February time). That was what it was like for me at least

Regardless of the outcome, if you go ahead with it I would try and see it as a chance to learn more about yourself and reflect on your experiences and how your mind works.

I hope this helps I would also recommend that you ask your GP what happens in the assessments, and they may be able to give you a more up-to-date explanation of how the process works.

[Redgreenblue in reply to NotJim]

this is very helpful, I have mentioned to my GP previously but it was put to one side as the appointment was not long enough but they never booked an appointment long enough to discuss this....

I am taking part in a clinical trial for something else and it involves a phycologist assessment, They contact my GP with if they come across anything they think needs to happen/change so I am thinking they may be able to write to my GP with the considerations of being assessed or referred to the appropriate team who will be able to help.

[NotJim in reply to Redgreenblue]

That makes sense.

If the clinical trial you are taking part in doesn't end with them contacting the GP, it may be worth setting up an appointment with the GP to specifically discuss the idea of getting a diagnosis and taking it, regardless of the length of the appointment. All GPs are a bit restricted with their workloads these days but it could be worthwhile, as it may help start the ball rolling.

[Bee-bop]

Hi Redgreenblue,It depends on age and area in regards waiting times and ways of assessment from what I understand. My youngest was a teen and their assessment was an initial questionnaire with CAMHS, then a 3 year wait and then in very quick succession an educational psychologist, an assessment with speech and language team, an observation by a psychologist and a lengthy meeting with a psychologist and myself. For my middle daughter it was trip to the GP, an initial questionnaire (for autism and adhd) followed by a lengthier questionnaire, a questionnaire I filled out as their parent and a few months later a face to face appointment which I attended as well. I believe there were to be at least other appointment but, my daughter was kind of diagnosed instead with Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia which have similar traIts to autism. So, their experience was a much shorter wait time and assessment but, didn't get an autism diagnosis. We were told the adult service covers both South and West Yorkshire which the children's services didn't so, a much wider catchment area but, also different needs and experiences of adults to children. Hope that helps.

[Redgreenblue]

this is helpful

[Tronsformer]

for me it can best be summed up as A LOT of questions and information regarding my history (i started my journey to diagnosis around 35yo).

For referrarl I had to get an appt. From my Gp I was asked to explain why I wanted to be referred and what I struggle with. Then I was given a referral

Then the gp sent me a questionaire mainly asking about what my life is like and how I feel about things. Strongly agree or strongly disagree type questions.

I then got an appointment within a month to speak to someone from the autism assessment team who asked me similar questions but wanted more context. I got to explain my difficulties and they asked obscure questions which I guess is useful to them. ie was your house messy or tidy growing up?

I was told to there was a wait for the next stage (the final stage) which turned out to be 2 years.

Before this I was asked to get someone I grew up with to answer some questions about me. i gave that person a link and they went ahead and did that.

As for the final assessment, It was the same stuff again, lots of questions, felt like an interview and really made me look at my life and upbringing in a new way. i was told I would get the results of the assessment in a few days. This was all via video call.

When I got my results I was told I was autistic. The method they used on my was DISCO. i beileve there are different ones dependant on the age and situation of the person.

Now I’m trying to carry on with life with this new cypher that can help le decode my interactions, difficulties and positives in life.

Really helps with work and professionally, home life is still the same but It makes this easier for everyone to understand. Etc etc.

It will cause natural anxienty, second guessing, what if’s esoecially with the waiting time. i was beginning to save uo for a private assessment until I got my final appoinment, that’s how impatient I got. But I’m glad i’ diagnosed and it has taken the edge off things for me a bit

[Redgreenblue in reply to Tronsformer]

thank you for the response. I am 36 so this would be a similar process I assume for me. I would struggle to get someone to answer questions from when I was younger though.

I was hoping to start the process though my clinical trial as its linked to psychiatrist assessment and they contact my GP if they encounter anything that they think should be looked into. It should be happening soon just waiting for the appointment details.

[Tronsformer]

i don’t think it would change the final outcome much tbh re childhood info. Apparently after gathering as much info they share findings with a collective of professionals to cover all bases.

Equally go with the best route for you regarding diagnosis.

[Knittingyellow]

My son has recently approached his GP regarding a referral for autism assessment. He did this by telephone. He has had lengthy questionnaires which I have helped him fill in. We have returned them and are waiting on the next stage

[Redgreenblue]

I have managed to do a self referral, not sure if I put enough information in the referral i probably should have done it with someone, but I know I wouldn't have felt comfortable doing it and would have just walked away form it if someone tried to help - just waiting for it to be triaged by consultants now.