Healios

Hi Jd, I had an assessment referral a few months ago, pre lockdown. At the time they were predicting at least 20 months before an appointment date. I had already read about Healios on here so I have asked my GP to be referred there instead. I'm still waiting for a response. What area are you in? I'm in Berkshire. I read someone in Hampshire got referred, but I know our wonderful NHS is more "regional" than "National"!

That was probably me, I’m Hampshire. I waited a year for correspondence from my local Autism care clinic who then wrote to me saying that for speed they would be signposting me to Healios. Within about a month I’d had my 3 assessments, diagnosis and feedback session (what a whirlwind that was). They were excellent in their support. I hope you both get your assessments through soon!

In the space of a month I have been referred and had 2 assessments this morning and have the long one in the morning. 
A very nice lady took me through it firstly then q&a and games. The story part of games I just couldn’t do and struggled being creative with objects. A mug is for drinking lol not imaginiatory play. 
I am based in Hampshire. 
I waited a year and nhs offered me a referral and within a month am having assessments done. 

My third assessment went well but brought up a lot of bad memories of bullying I suffered growing up. The lady was very nice and helped me through it. Talking about it all made me realise there have been signs that have never picked up on over the years such as clothing. 
I never really thought about it but she asked bout how I feel bout materials against my skin and it occurred to me that I buy t shirts and jumpers 1 or 2 sizes too big as I get on edge because I feel I can’t move and if it’s tight I almost panic and can’t wear it. I always buy the same style  of clothes and types of food and drink and go same routes and same fuel station...., patterns I was not aware of.

the 5 items... epic fail! I burst out laughing when she started using her teaspoon as a wizard. It seemed so odd..  and the frogs.... I said they can’t drive... couldn’t do it lol.

That’s great news on your first 2 assessments. Healios do seem to be on the ball once they’ve received a referral. I was shockingly bad at the story (frogs on flying lily pads) and totally didn’t get what to do with my 5 items. Just to warn you (not to scare) the 3rd assessment is lengthy and required a lot of concentration. It’s about 80 questions/statements (& you rate each question as to whether you experience it or have experienced it). The lady who was taking me through this assessment was really nice, explained things in as much detail as was needed for me to understand and allowed me breaks (and I took a lot of them!) whenever I needed them. It sounds quite hardcore, especially in it’s length, but I found this much easier than my first two assessments as I was dealing in fact. Let us know how you get on!

That’s great news on your first 2 assessments. Healios do seem to be on the ball once they’ve received a referral. I was shockingly bad at the story (frogs on flying lily pads) and totally didn’t get what to do with my 5 items. Just to warn you (not to scare) the 3rd assessment is lengthy and required a lot of concentration. It’s about 80 questions/statements (& you rate each question as to whether you experience it or have experienced it). The lady who was taking me through this assessment was really nice, explained things in as much detail as was needed for me to understand and allowed me breaks (and I took a lot of them!) whenever I needed them. It sounds quite hardcore, especially in it’s length, but I found this much easier than my first two assessments as I was dealing in fact. Let us know how you get on!

My third assessment went well but brought up a lot of bad memories of bullying I suffered growing up. The lady was very nice and helped me through it. Talking about it all made me realise there have been signs that have never picked up on over the years such as clothing. 
I never really thought about it but she asked bout how I feel bout materials against my skin and it occurred to me that I buy t shirts and jumpers 1 or 2 sizes too big as I get on edge because I feel I can’t move and if it’s tight I almost panic and can’t wear it. I always buy the same style  of clothes and types of food and drink and go same routes and same fuel station...., patterns I was not aware of.

the 5 items... epic fail! I burst out laughing when she started using her teaspoon as a wizard. It seemed so odd..  and the frogs.... I said they can’t drive... couldn’t do it lol.