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Had my initial assessment - I’m no further forward

BristolSteve

So I had my initial assessment with BASS a couple of weeks ago. At the end of the online assessment, the dr said that I clearly had a lot of autistic tendencies, but the way I presented myself and answered the questions means she was unable to definitively give me a diagnosis. Apparently the way i spoke and answered the way I did suggests I’m not on the spectrum but my history and actions do - although she specifically said I don’t avoid eye contact which is odd as I 100% do - can you tell during a video conversation?!

Anyway, as my mum may be undiagnosed and I grew up in the household I may have adopted her tendencies but not be on the spectrum myself so she said that she couldn’t put me forward for a full assessment at this point. However she has asked that I get an informant’s questionnaire filled out which might just tip the balance and qualify me for a full assessment. I’ve just been sent it and unfortunately there is no way anyone in my family could complete it accurately. I am incredibly secretive, a fantastic masker, and generally keep myself to myself - they have no idea of my mental health struggles over the years and nor have I ever wanted to let them in on them.

So I feel a bit like I’m in limbo. On the cusp of a diagnosis but not quite ticking the right boxes. Any suggestions about next steps? Thanks

Parents

  • I would put forward all the information you have, saying that your family are not aware of your challenges. If they don't offer you an assessment you are entitled to a 2nd opinion elsewhere.

    I attended a screening apt locally (Gloucestershire) in 2019 and was so anxious they just told me I was anxious and couldn't offer me an autism assessment, even though on paper it was obvious I needed one.

    My GP obtained out of county funding from my local CCG and I was referred for a 2nd opinion ASC assessment at the Lorna Wing Centre in Chigwell, Essex. 

    COVID got in the way but I had my assessment and my autism diagnosis in January 2022.

    It's not widely advertised but I'm glad I found out that I was entitled to a 2nd opinion, as my diagnosis has allowed me to go back to work with a disability confident employer, where I feel supported. 

    Good luck with getting an assessment.

Reply

  • I would put forward all the information you have, saying that your family are not aware of your challenges. If they don't offer you an assessment you are entitled to a 2nd opinion elsewhere.

    I attended a screening apt locally (Gloucestershire) in 2019 and was so anxious they just told me I was anxious and couldn't offer me an autism assessment, even though on paper it was obvious I needed one.

    My GP obtained out of county funding from my local CCG and I was referred for a 2nd opinion ASC assessment at the Lorna Wing Centre in Chigwell, Essex. 

    COVID got in the way but I had my assessment and my autism diagnosis in January 2022.

    It's not widely advertised but I'm glad I found out that I was entitled to a 2nd opinion, as my diagnosis has allowed me to go back to work with a disability confident employer, where I feel supported. 

    Good luck with getting an assessment.

Children
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