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Initial meeting complete - what happened next?

Wazzachicken64

Wave hello there

I had my initial assessment last week and thought i would add it down here for anyone on a waiting list to see what it looked like.

where and what

it was a video call with one of the autism team who asked a number of questions. Including why have you sought a diagnosis? What current problems are you facing. I had to answer questioned related to mental health as-well. I discussed interests, social communication and anxiety.

How did it feel?

I think it felt quite supportive and friendly. I was worried they would be dismissive . This didn’t happen. It was 40 mins. I had my partner with me who would remind me of things. I had a fidget toy aswell

What happened next?

They want to keep talking to me and will be sending me a form for my parents to fill out. I have also been referred for ADHD. 

key takeaways

the waiting time for the next part of the assessment and ADHD referral is immense. Perhaps over a year for both. 

the staff member speaking to me was observing my behaviours carefully and how i interacted with my partner.

interestingly they said that the interactions with my partner made her think maybe it isn’t autism. Having researched this a-lot and how individual and complex characteristics are I found this a very surface level observation. Having been with my partner for 12 years. I have a pretty good relationship obviously. I dont know of course.

In the meantime i will be getting some private services so I am not in limbo  again for a year. 

All the best

Parents

  • This is really interesting and helpful. Do you mind me asking how long your wait was from referral to this assessment. I've been waiting for over a year and was just wondering if you had a long wait as well. Also, what part of the country are you from as I know that makes a difference in wait time as well. I'm from Rugby. Also, did you have a choice to have it in person or online? Did you feel like it would have been better if it was in person?

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  • This is really interesting and helpful. Do you mind me asking how long your wait was from referral to this assessment. I've been waiting for over a year and was just wondering if you had a long wait as well. Also, what part of the country are you from as I know that makes a difference in wait time as well. I'm from Rugby. Also, did you have a choice to have it in person or online? Did you feel like it would have been better if it was in person?

Children
  • in reply to Abigail

    Hi Abigail,

    My wait time was 1 year and 2 months. I was expecting 1 year and 5 months but received a letter out of the blue.  I am in the southwest near Bristol. I had a choice and I chose online because I was informed the wait would be shorter through this method.

    I do feel like it may have been better in person but I was wiling to take the chance if it meant shorter wait time. That's just my personal decision.  The head space I was in at the time was not great and I just wanted the shorter option.  There were some benefits for me though as I didn't have to travel. I was in a comfortable known environment and my partner was able to be there.  Having a screen based discussion can put a bit of a barrier between what I am saying and who is listening. What I mean is I feel I can be more open rather than worrying about me looking or my body language.

    Cheers