Diagnosis Interview - Worried

Thanks for the reply.

Like others, I attended the f2f interview alone. Before this I have emailed over 8 sides of A3, where I'd make points in regards to my behaviour against the DSM-5 criteria. I hate for anything to come down to a 'he said, she said' scenario, so like to submit supporting evidence when possible. I also failed some of the tests, such as the facial expressions one, as I got all of the answers correct. This didn't stop the assessor recognising all of the other areas where I struggled.

Plus, although they are trained in assessments, these individuals are humans and still suffer from bias so they may be looking hard for signs too. My report stated I stared intensley in regards to eye contact. This has never been mentioned to me by non specialists despite living and working in areas where people are very honest (I've had students mentioned my other characteristics in the past), so assessors can put there own spin on your behaviour if they're looking for certain points.

I hope the day goes well for you.

Thanks for the reply.

That's very good and I shall do that. Thanks! aspiewren

I felt the same way when I first decided to seek a diagnosis. I think Trainspotter's suggestion of writing a personal history of yourself is very useful. My assessor read mine before the interview and told me he found it really helpful. I also had a very long wait before I was able to be seen, so I often thought and worried about what to say, sometimes couldn't sleep because I was thinking of events in life. I guess that also helped me prepare when I was asked to give specific examples. Most of what I talked about during the assessment was about childhood. So it'll be good to prepare some of that.

Thanks and thanks to Bagpuss7 as well. Yes I'm already up to point number 137. I do intend to send it on in advance.

I'm sure that when I start I'll no stop, I'll get loud, I'll get passionate, I'll start pacing around, and no doubt cry as well. Then it will be right question 2!

Write a 'potted history' of yourself, from childhood as far back as you can remember up to the present day.

Remember any misunderstandings you have had, what your parents said to you, whether you got into trouble for reasons you could not fathom, whether you engage in social activities or not, any sensory difficulties you have, whether friendships come easily, any obsessions you have, whether you are a bit of a 'loner' or not, any triggers for meltdowns, whether you follow instructions easily or just do things your own way .... as much detail as you can.  And send it in advance and refer to it during the interview.

Many of us become tongue tied in that situation and it would be ok to refer to any notes you have.  Try to 'lead' the conversation, don't just wait for questions.  I made copious notes before hand and once I start there is no stopping me!  It would be expected that someone autistic may have problems in a situation such as that and I had no problem at all with the psychologist when I referred to my notes.  Above all, know what you are going to say and say it from the notes if necessary. 

The assessor should know what questions to ask, but my problem is in a situation like that I would just dry up and if asked anything at all my mind would go blank so preparation for me was very helpful.  Remember they will be looking for the 'triad of impairments' so make sure you cover that with examples.  And do not leave it to being asked a question, if there is something you want to say, say it whether it is relevant to a question asked or not.  It is not an academic exam for you!.

I'm 40s and had no input on childhood from anyone. On the face of it, people could assume "oh she can't be autistic as she went through uni with no issues, been employed as a teacher for 20 years" etc etc. TO be honest, I suspect the psychologist had already diagnosed me before I entered the room from what i wrote on my referral form. It said make brief  notes... I wrote about 3 pages!

Don't worry about the interview - remember whilst it may be new for you, an worrying for you, the other person is a highly trained professional who will have seen it all before an will know how to put you at your ease, what questions to ask ,etc.

Thanks for that. Best wishes for your interview as well.

Hi, I can identify with you here. Am shortly to have a diagnosis too and feel pressured. I am in my sixties. I suppose my advice to myself will be to just be myself on the day and not to pre-plan anything. I am very anxious about it and this shall be the first thing I say when I meet the folk. In fact, getting off my chest how I'm feeling, immediately, will kind of give them an idea of how to treat me - I hope!  One thing ... you know yourself better than they will ever do, so no matter what they say, or how you feel you do, remember that. Hope it goes well.  aspiewren