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NHS Autism assessment - what to expect?

Kate Kestrel

Hi all,

My appointment for my Autism assessment (with the NHS) is now getting close. I’ve been trying to not think about it but I really feel it’s so near now that Ireally should think about it. It’s online (on a zoom type thing)  and seems to be very long in terms of time - and I have absolutely no idea what to expect. Is it basically just a chat about life or are they actually going to give me tests of some kind? I really haven’t got a clue what to expect. 

How did other people find the NHS autism assessment for adults? And is it different for women? (I’m a woman and I’m in my fifties). 

thanks :) 

Parents

  • I was diagnosed with Autism last week and I’m 46 and female.

    I had my assessment in 4 sessions of about 1.5 hours each.

    1. Went through my early childhood until I left school.

    2. Observational assessment in person called the ados assessment.  Given tasks to do and  some questions.

    3. Sensory assessment  

    4. Autism camouflage task - this identifies masking

    I think I only had the 4th assessment though as I didn’t really show autism signs in the observational assessment, as I’m so used to masking and spent many years working on my socialisation skills.

    it was a difficult process to go through for me, as I had to go back to difficult memories.  However now I have the diagnosis it does explain a lot.  I’m glad I now have the answer.

    I hope everything goes well for you

Reply

  • I was diagnosed with Autism last week and I’m 46 and female.

    I had my assessment in 4 sessions of about 1.5 hours each.

    1. Went through my early childhood until I left school.

    2. Observational assessment in person called the ados assessment.  Given tasks to do and  some questions.

    3. Sensory assessment  

    4. Autism camouflage task - this identifies masking

    I think I only had the 4th assessment though as I didn’t really show autism signs in the observational assessment, as I’m so used to masking and spent many years working on my socialisation skills.

    it was a difficult process to go through for me, as I had to go back to difficult memories.  However now I have the diagnosis it does explain a lot.  I’m glad I now have the answer.

    I hope everything goes well for you

Children
  • in reply to Elaine

    Thanks. I’m surprised how little info they give to prepare you for it - surely they realise how intimidating and anxiety provoking such an assessment must be for autistic people? I don’t feel they give you enough information about what to expect. 

    in the initial appointment I became upset too when talking about painful memories from school. I’m sorry it was difficult for you - but I’m glad you now feel it was worth it. 

    good luck with everything x