Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everyone, so I spoke with my gp on the phone today and she asked me why I think I’m autistic and asked me some questions and said that’s autism down to a T (response to my answers) and has referred me for an assessment, question is I was in foster care all my life and put in several different foster homes, my mum has severe learning difficulties and we don’t get on (our personalities clash) and my dad sadly passed away 5 years ago and I’ve lost contact with most recent foster parents so In a years time I would of been with my partner a year and a half when the assessment should take place, will this be a problem as I won’t have anyone with me that knew me in my childhood?
I had my first consultation with a private Psychiatrist at the The Priory wellbeing centre in Southampton :)
I was then referred to Hampshire & Surrey Psychologists. This was supposed to be at Rownhams House but ended up going to a place outside Reading!?
Yes, thank you very much for the reassurance:) I’m Southampton
I didn't involve anyone, and that was fine, didn't prevent diagnosis
Hi Maisy, I was diagnosed last year, both my parents are dead, so the answer is no. My wife came with me, as she was the one who said I was just like our little boy George, he was diagnosed at 3 he is now 5, this was in Surrey. Hope that helps
Simple answer is no, but it does help to take someone that knows you really well, when you go to your assessment (if they request it), friend, colleague, partner etc.
In my case my wife was invited to a session, but I was thrown somewhat, because I thought the Psychologist wanted to speak to her on her own. But she saw both of us! I didn't say much while my wife was being questioned but it was a bit odd. As it turned out, she pretty much confirmed my statements, even though she stated that she did not believe I had Autism ( she still doesn't)...
Hi Maisy, I had to have a similar discussion with my GP on the need for a parent to be at the assessment and have asked for my sister to be the person to come with me. She is just under 2 years younger than me and he did say this may not be ideal as I will have a better memory of my childhood than she does but she will still have her own perceptions of growing up with me. My dad has been absent most of my life and yes my mum would be better placed to answer some of those questions but we have a huge clash of personalities especially in stressful situations. She’s been diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder and for her to be physically present with me on the day is more of a challenge than it needs to be! I have said I’m happy for them to call her for any questions they want to ask but my GP has said I am likely to get a diagnosis on my account alone, my sisters view will also help. They have said it’s easier to have someone there from early childhood but not that it makes a diagnosis impossible to get without them present. I’m keen to see other people’s responses on this and how they have found the process if they have been able to do it without a parent with them for the assessment.