Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi everyone
Just after some advice really from those who have been through the ASD assessment as an adult, I'm 37.
I've been put on the waiting list and been sent some questionnaires to complete. The ones about childhood I have given to my mum to complete but from discussing autism with her so far she seems to have a flippant or stereotypical view and is of the opinion that there was nothing neurodiverse when I was a child other than I was shy.
I have to complete a similar questionnaire and I'm concerned that my scoring will be a lot different, so to what extent is the input from parents/relatives taken into account for the assessment and diagnosis?
I’m also waiting for assessment and had the same concerns. My Dad also thinks I was ‘just shy’. I did the questionnaire with him and would accept his answers if I had no memory of it being any different. However one question asked if there were any teacher concerns at school. My Dad said there weren’t but I recall my mum talking to me in primary 6 as the teachers had spoken to her, they had noticed I had trouble approaching other children in the playground. In that instance I asked my Dad to change his answer as I knew it was incorrect. I know that in the assessment you have the option to being someone but you don’t have to.
I haven’t started my assessment process yet, but I was told that I could have my mother present for the childhood part, but it wasn’t essential. I could bring someone who knows me quite well, and fill in gaps where I’m able.
When I first broached the subject with my mother about having an assessment, she didn’t really recall anything specific. However, with time, lots of small things cropped up, which did seem unimportant at the time. Being Shy, quiet, never joining in, hiding behind her, being matter of fact, having a good memory, reading, speaking and spelling early, not playing with typical toys etc etc.
Maybe your mother could think about it a little more, to find the things that set you apart from your peers at the time.
I didn't have any family members to do the childhood assessment part, as they are all dead, but was told then I had to do it myself as it was a fundamental part of the process. Hopefully they will also take into account your own responses about your childhood. I think this is a real problem with using the same process for people over 25 as they do for small children. I hope your process goes well and you get the response and help that you need.