Autism assessment - Dec 2015 - UK

[shinkansen]

Last November 2014, I was diagnosed with ADHD. The specialist who did the diagnosis decided to refer me for an autism assessment. The autism assessment will be Tues 8 Dec 2015 here in London, UK.

The assessment will last 2-3 hours and there will be some questions about my background and an 'autism diagnosis observation schedule'.

All of my assessments and diagnoses have been on the NHS (National Health Service). This is the UK's social healthcare system. The NHS is free at the point of use, available to everybody and funded from general taxation. I have pleased with service which the NHS have provided to me so far.

I am a bit anxious about the ASD assessment. What will the questions be like ? Will I give the 'wrong' answers ? I also what to use it as an opportunity to discuss the things which make me anxious and things which I enjoy doing.

 

[granolaturtle]

It might be different in the UK (I'm in the USA), but my assessment was very relaxed. They just let me talk and gave me puzzles, images and questionnaires. They also gave me other things to assess my cognitive abilities and such. Sometimes they would just ask questions, and I never felt like I gave a wrong answer.

However, there is an extensive report on everything I said, how I said it, my posture, the way I picked my nails, etc... Needless to say, it'd be mortifying to show anyone, but it's useful in obtaining help. I'm a senior in high school and I now have a "504" which involves accommodations that involve being in mainstream classroom. Kind of too-little, too late for me, because I'm going to graduate soon and I already have a terrible academic track-record that's limiting my post-secondary education choices. :/

But you're already a full-fledged (independent?) adult, so I don't know how it'll affect you (if you get the diagnosis).

 

[NothingToSeeHere]

Hi
I was diagnosed by the NHS last year after two diagnostic appointments, the first being an unstructured interview, and the second being an 'autism diagnosis observation schedule' assessment. I was anxious about it all beforehand, and during the assessments. Firstly, don't be anxious about being anxious, the assessors will expect it and do their best to put you at ease.

It's not possible to give the wrong answers, so long as you are completely honest then you will get the correct diagnosis, and whether that is an ASD diagnosis or not I'm sure the results will be beneficial to you (be prepared to laugh at yourself when reading the report, and take it as the useful tool it is supposed to be).

If your assessment is similar to mine then discussing things which make to anxious and things you enjoy it will be a part of it.

Things discussed in my interview included: why I thought I might have aspergers, my family, my childhood, education, friends, sensory sensitivities, interests (according to the report I rambled on about the Lord of the Rings for 15 minutes, oops), stimming, anxiety, my history of depression, humour,... and no doubt other things which I can't recall. It was more of a conversation than an interview, with each topic naturally leading on to the next until he had all the information he needed.

The ADOS assessment included both activities and questions. That I can recall: making up a story from a few random objects, telling a story from a picture book, pretending to brush my teeth, describing emotions and discussing other peoples emotions, sensory issues, and interests. Again, there was probably more that I have forgotten about.

As granolaturtle said, the diagnostic report is detailed and rather embarrassing (apparently I bare my teeth "in a vaguely aggressive manner" when uncomfortable, but otherwise have almost no facial expressions... who knew?), but I also find it very useful, mainly in understanding myself and being more aware of my weird behaviours. I hope it will be for you too!

 

[Rhymer]

I'm 41 and I had my diagnosis last year with the NHS.

It was a one to done with the specialist and she told me that it would last 2-3 hours and that diagnosis there and then was rare as usually she would then refer with her colleagues and further testing may then be required before confirming Asperger's.

She asked me about my childhood and interaction with my parents and life in general and took me down a few different avenues to find out more about me and how I do things and feel and interact with the wider world.
I actually enjoyed the experience as it was cathartic to let my feelings and views on life flow out. A week later she called me to
go over her notes and told me there and then that she agreed that I did indeed have Asperger's and I received an official letter from here a week later.

My advice is this, Tell them everything and don't hold back, swear if you need to swear and let them know everything about your life and struggles but don't get angry or abusive etc. as they are there to help you. It all helps them diagnose you.

Good luck mate.

 

[unsurewhattoname]

I was diagnosed in the UK recently via the NHS and I was very happy with how the assessment went and it was not stressful at all. Hope you have the same experience. I (and my parents) got asked about my childhood a lot.

 

[shinkansen]

Thank you for all your comments. Seems from your own experiences, the assessments allow you to discuss how your mind works, what makes you anxious and what makes you happy.

My ADHD assessment in November 2014 was two meetings, each of several hours. A combination of questionnaires and unstructured interviews. With the ADHD specialist, I spoke a lot about my interest in railway and bus timetables. This was the trigger for the autism assessment !!

Several months ago, I had something of meltdown and saw my GP. He referred me to an NHS psychologist and we've had several useful meetings. The psychologist has commented on my ability to retain facts and figures, yet running into difficulties with open ended situations. He also thinks that I am autistic.

Overall, I am fine about the prospect of having both ADHD and being on the autism spectrum. It provides explanations and allows me to get targeted help.

 

[shinkansen]

Yesterday, I had the first part of my autism assessment. I live in the UK, and the assessment was at a National Health Service hospital in London.

Started with an interview asking about my background, health, ADHD diagnosis & assessment, childhood, interests.

After that, I had an "autism diagnostic observation schedule". This was a mix of tests and questions. I struggled with the section of the tests, where you had to invent a story based on pictures or objects in front of you. I did much better when I was asked to describe a picture, which happened to be a detailed map of the US. On this map, there were no place names but symbols instead, for example "Hollywood" where LA should be and an cow for Wisconsin. The person assessing me was really impressed ! Some of the other questions were difficult to answer, for example asking me why I thought people married and why the liked being married.

The person assessing me is now going to contact a relative of mine for further background info. In the New Year, I go back to the autism assessment centre to discuss what happens next.

 

[Rhymer]

Good luck mate.

 

[SingaSong]

Hi
I was going to start a thread to ask the same type of things as in the original post. That is because I have my assessment this coming Friday 18 December (again in the UK under NHS). The responses have been really helpful. I'm nervous because whatever it is that I have I really need help interacting with people.

 

[shinkansen]

Good to hear that these responses have been helpful. How did you get an assessment ? Have you been told what to expect ?

 

[shinkansen]

Got my follow appointment with the NHS autism unit in London on Tuesday 19 January. Earlier this week, the autism unit had a 75 min telephone call with my uncle, to talk about my childhood and general development. My uncle has had some experience of working with autistic people in his line of work. He said he had plenty of evidence about my traits !

Still, I do feel a bit anxious about next month's appointment. I guess it's the possibility of a doctor discussing autism with me.

 

[SingaSong]

Hi
I got my diagnosis - Autistic spectrum disorder. I can't tell you much about the NHS assessment because I don't think what happened was very typical.

Just to persuade my GP to refer me for an NHS assessment I needed to pretty much get a full assessment privately (from a just retired friend of my mothers who did these assessments). That involved lots of questions and a couple of tests that I think were supposed to test my ability to tell narratives and recognise emotions.

The NHS people knew the other retired man and so they didn't repeat the tests. They talked more about what help I might need, though not much of it is available here anyway.

 

[shinkansen]

The NHS people knew the other retired man and so they didn't repeat the tests. They talked more about what help I might need, though not much of it is available here anyway.

I am expecting something similar: the NHS suggesting where to get help, but little more.

 

[Miker]

Last November 2014, I was diagnosed with ADHD. The specialist who did the diagnosis decided to refer me for an autism assessment. The autism assessment will be Tues 8 Dec 2015 here in London, UK.

The assessment will last 2-3 hours and there will be some questions about my background and an 'autism diagnosis observation schedule'.

All of my assessments and diagnoses have been on the NHS (National Health Service). This is the UK's social healthcare system. The NHS is free at the point of use, available to everybody and funded from general taxation. I have pleased with service which the NHS have provided to me so far.

I am a bit anxious about the ASD assessment. What will the questions be like ? Will I give the 'wrong' answers ? I also what to use it as an opportunity to discuss the things which make me anxious and things which I enjoy doing.

I was interested to know your thoughts on how you think it will benefit you to know the result of this test? I am in the UK as well and although I have not been officially diagnosed I am 100% sure that I am an Aspie. I also am highly dubious about getting tested as I don't want to officially labelled as something! I want to melt into the average rather than being different. I am sure that it would be used against me somehow. I would still be expected to strive in exactly the same biased game.
I am Interested to hear other's views on my ravings?

 

[shinkansen]

I was interested to know your thoughts on how you think it will benefit you to know the result of this test?

You make a very good point. And I have thought far too much about this.

In November 2014, I saw an ADHD specialist because I wanted to discuss symptoms consistent with ADHD. I do think there's a tendency to over diagnose, which is why I wasn't looking for an ADHD diagnosis, just some specialist guidance on how to better manage my mental well being. Anxiety, impatience and frequent carelessness are recurring themes, for me.

The outcome of the ADHD assessment was different from what I expected. The specialist diagnosed ADHD and prescribed medication. Preferring self reliance over medication, I reluctantly started taking them. On balance, they are just about worth taking, because they do provide calm and focus.

During the ADHD assessment, I was genuinely surprised when ADHD specialist told me that he "pretty sure" I was on autism spectrum. He immediately offered an ASD assessment. I wasn't sure. He said "Wouldn't you like to know ?". I remembering saying that whatever the outcome, I still have to pay the bills and go to work. The specialist also introduced me to a whole new word "comborbidity". Being curious, I decided to accept a referral for an ASD assessment.

Just over a year ago, I wanted to discuss my troubled mental well being. And now I'm about to conclude this period of assessments and diagnoses, with an ADHD/ASD comorbidity.

As you can see from this lengthy reply, I have a thought a lot about this. The NHS have provided an excellent service and the 'labels' explain a lot. But will it translate into specific help ? And whatever happens, I still have to go to work and pay the bills.

 

[Miker]

You make a very good point. And I have thought far too much about this.

In November 2014, I saw an ADHD specialist because I wanted to discuss symptoms consistent with ADHD. I do think there's a tendency to over diagnose, which is why I wasn't looking for an ADHD diagnosis, just some specialist guidance on how to better manage my mental well being. Anxiety, impatience and frequent carelessness are recurring themes, for me.

The outcome of the ADHD assessment was different from what I expected. The specialist diagnosed ADHD and prescribed medication. Preferring self reliance over medication, I reluctantly started taking them. On balance, they are just about worth taking, because they do provide calm and focus.

During the ADHD assessment, I was genuinely surprised when ADHD specialist told me that he "pretty sure" I was on autism spectrum. He immediately offered an ASD assessment. I wasn't sure. He said "Wouldn't you like to know ?". I remembering saying that whatever the outcome, I still have to pay the bills and go to work. The specialist also introduced me to a whole new word "comborbidity". Being curious, I decided to accept a referral for an ASD assessment.

Just over a year ago, I wanted to discuss my troubled mental well being. And now I'm about to conclude this period of assessments and diagnoses, with an ADHD/ASD comorbidity.

As you can see from this lengthy reply, I have a thought a lot about this. The NHS have provided an excellent service and the 'labels' explain a lot. But will it translate into specific help ? And whatever happens, I still have to go to work and pay the bills.

I think that it is a trait that we think deeply about these things. I would be interested to know, are your symptoms of anxiety, impatience and carelessness the same from day to day or are they variable? Also if you don't mind me asking, what is your profession?

 

[shinkansen]

I think that it is a trait that we think deeply about these things. I would be interested to know, are your symptoms of anxiety, impatience and carelessness the same from day to day or are they variable? Also if you don't mind me asking, what is your profession?

Agree with you. We think deeply about these things.

Carelessness varies and it's certainly contributed to my varied employment history. Impatience is a daily feature. Anxiety can be a near daily feature. A combination of pills and the NHS decision to refer me for regular visits to see a psychologist is helping to better manage this.

I work in conference production including marketing, producing and recruiting speakers to events.

What brings you to your conclusion of self diagnosis ?

 

[Miker]

Agree with you. We think deeply about these things.

Carelessness varies and it's certainly contributed to my varied employment history. Impatience is a daily feature. Anxiety can be a near daily feature. A combination of pills and the NHS decision to refer me for regular visits to see a psychologist is helping to better manage this.

I work in conference production including marketing, producing and recruiting speakers to events.

What brings you to your conclusion of self diagnosis ?

I have read a lot of the websites on Aspergers and completed many of the online tests. I wasn't aware that I specifically had as until this year after I had a melt down at work and I walked out of a meeting. Up until that point I knew I was different but couldn't put my finger on it, but that is the beauty of the www, so much info available. I have problems with sensory overload and verbal communications in general. I hated school but loved university due to the different learning style. I believe that any anxiety that I may encounter in life is due trying to be something I am not capable of doing. I have recognised my limits and I won't be moved out of them.
I believe that the world won't lend a hand and we have to look out for ourselves! Before this I could be manipulated into situations in which I was uncomfortable but no more.

PS I asked about your career because I suspect that most aspies are working in jobs that are not compatible with their traits. I don't know if this is true for you?

 

[shinkansen]

I have read a lot of the websites on Aspergers and completed many of the online tests. I wasn't aware that I specifically had as until this year after I had a melt down at work and I walked out of a meeting. Up until that point I knew I was different but couldn't put my finger on it, but that is the beauty of the www, so much info available. I have problems with sensory overload and verbal communications in general. I hated school but loved university due to the different learning style. I believe that any anxiety that I may encounter in life is due trying to be something I am not capable of doing. I have recognised my limits and I won't be moved out of them.
I believe that the world won't lend a hand and we have to look out for ourselves! Before this I could be manipulated into situations in which I was uncomfortable but no more.

PS I asked about your career because I suspect that most aspies are working in jobs that are not compatible with their traits. I don't know if this is true for you?

Places of employment can be difficult, so I can understand why you had meltdown.

 

[SingaSong]

I was interested to know your thoughts on how you think it will benefit you to know the result of this test? I am in the UK as well and although I have not been officially diagnosed I am 100% sure that I am an Aspie. I also am highly dubious about getting tested as I don't want to officially labelled as something! I want to melt into the average rather than being different. I am sure that it would be used against me somehow. I would still be expected to strive in exactly the same biased game.
I am Interested to hear other's views on my ravings?

Hi
I got my diagnosis because I have other medical conditions and I think the ASD may make it much harder for me to cope in the future (I rely heavily on my parents to help me because I can't communicate what help I need.)