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The diagnosis process

Ian Hirst

For the past year or so, I have been on an interesting journey. To start with, I was unsure why I was so different to everyone else I knew, wasn't sure whhy I struggle with making and maintaining friendships, progressing at work and wondering why I think different to everyone else I know (mainly the way I process things). Considering I work in the education sector, I started noticing students who had a diagnosis, displaying traits that I am too familiar with myself. I went on a couple of training sessions and had some professionals ask me  outright whether i was on the spectrum or not... My response was "probably". I sought out some assistance from my GP who referred me to the Suffolk welbeing team, who rang me to discuss why I thought I might be on the autistic spectrum. After being referred for an initial meeting (which took a couple of hours truth be told), I received a letter stating, once at the top of the list, I will be asked to have a sesion with a clinical psychologist. That letter arrived throgh my door two days ago, for an appointment in a couple of weeks time. I am absolutely bricking it, and my anxiety is through the roof. Can anyone tell me what to expect, so I can process what might happen during this session that is going to last all day. Please?

Parents

  • Hi Ian

    I have just been diagnosed with ASD at the age of 58. I had an idea that I might be autistic some time ago but ending up discounting this as GPs I mentioned it to always disagreed with me.

    The ASD assessment process varies quite a lot. The psychologists who did mine gave me an outline of the questionnaires and sessions they planned to use. I was told that they might need to arrange a session with a speech and language therapist, or carry out a cognitive assessment, but after my initial assessment it was decided neither of these would be needed.

    I had two sessions with one psychologist covering my social development and life story, and a separate ADOS assessment with two different psychologists. In addition a number of questionnaires were completed by me, my parents and my siblings. My husband also provided some information covering our time together.

    There was a delay before I got my diagnosis because a multi-disciplinary formulation meeting was held to decide if I met the criteria for ASD diagnosis and what the most helpful recommendations would be. I got my diagnosis at a feedback meeting with one of the psychologists. This was very helpful as my husband attended for the second part of the meeting and we were both given good advice and suggestions.

    I was extremely anxious throughout the process. I now realise I could have allayed some of my anxiety by asking the psychologists for more information. I am sure if you ask for more information about how your assessment day will be structured they will provide it. As others have mentioned they may not go into too much detail about any tests they plan to use as those are supposed to be done 'unseen'.

    Very best wishes,

    Rose

Reply

  • Hi Ian

    I have just been diagnosed with ASD at the age of 58. I had an idea that I might be autistic some time ago but ending up discounting this as GPs I mentioned it to always disagreed with me.

    The ASD assessment process varies quite a lot. The psychologists who did mine gave me an outline of the questionnaires and sessions they planned to use. I was told that they might need to arrange a session with a speech and language therapist, or carry out a cognitive assessment, but after my initial assessment it was decided neither of these would be needed.

    I had two sessions with one psychologist covering my social development and life story, and a separate ADOS assessment with two different psychologists. In addition a number of questionnaires were completed by me, my parents and my siblings. My husband also provided some information covering our time together.

    There was a delay before I got my diagnosis because a multi-disciplinary formulation meeting was held to decide if I met the criteria for ASD diagnosis and what the most helpful recommendations would be. I got my diagnosis at a feedback meeting with one of the psychologists. This was very helpful as my husband attended for the second part of the meeting and we were both given good advice and suggestions.

    I was extremely anxious throughout the process. I now realise I could have allayed some of my anxiety by asking the psychologists for more information. I am sure if you ask for more information about how your assessment day will be structured they will provide it. As others have mentioned they may not go into too much detail about any tests they plan to use as those are supposed to be done 'unseen'.

    Very best wishes,

    Rose

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