Initial assessment/screening

I had mine in December. 

2 People asking questions via Zoom, felt structured but in a friendly way. They were asking about my childhood and other experiences. I was nervous so I don't fully remember (a bit of a scatter brain when anxious), but I could talk freely.

They then disconnected me whilst they discussed it for a very short time before I reconnected and they diagnosed me. It was meant to take 90 minutes, but my was over in about half that time.

I (like everyone I expect) was very nervous beforehand, but you have no reason to be.

Diagnosed you in the initial assessment? 

I'm not sure what to expect other than that I know they discuss support groups and reasonable adjustments after the initial assessment and decide if a full assessment is required. I assumed if I didn't need a full assessment that meant they didn't consider me autistic?

Erm Yes.

I was surprised too, but they said I already provided them with all the information they needed. I was expecting another assessment, my parents to be contacted, but they diagnosed me there and then. They sent the report to me and my GP confirming it about 4 weeks later.

I am still awaiting a Post-Diagnosis review which is where they discuss support groups and reasonable adjustments, but I have been told that is a lengthy wait - up to 12 months again

I few people have expressed surprise that they diagnosed me there and then, as I say I wasn't expecting it, but my GP when I asked for a referral simply 'Oh, I thought you had already been diagnosed' so perhaps he had already spoke to them or perhaps I was just obvious 

I'm male, although I understand it can be harder for females to get a diagnosis I haven't had to experience it myself.

Yes that is true. I hadn't thought of it that way but as you mention that, I have struggled all my life with anxiety and nobody has once suggested autism, but now I read about autism it seems more and more obviously to me. 

Can I ask if you identify as male or female? I am female and feel that this may contribute to why it has never been suggested about me.

It was my local Mental health team that requested the assessment, I had to get my GP to refer me, but it was them that told me to ask for a referral.

Their opinion was I didn't respond to therapies like an NT would. So depending on the mental health illness they may be less complex to assess?

It was my local Mental health team that requested the assessment, I had to get my GP to refer me, but it was them that told me to ask for a referral.

Their opinion was I didn't respond to therapies like an NT would. So depending on the mental health illness they may be less complex to assess?

I'm male, although I understand it can be harder for females to get a diagnosis I haven't had to experience it myself.

Yes that is true. I hadn't thought of it that way but as you mention that, I have struggled all my life with anxiety and nobody has once suggested autism, but now I read about autism it seems more and more obviously to me. 

Can I ask if you identify as male or female? I am female and feel that this may contribute to why it has never been suggested about me.