Private Assesment - what to expect?

So I have filled in 19 different forms online, my husband and mum have also filled out forms and this week I have my 2 hour video call and to say am nervous is an understatement - am going over and over the reasons I am going for the assesemnt - am questioning my whole life - I can barely sleep - I hope when we get past the 2 hour appt I will be able to settle.

What are they gonna ask me - do they usually give you an idea of what they think on the day? I realise all places will be different

  • You're paying for this so it should be a smooth process where you will be understood, heard and supported in every way. You don't need to be nervous, they are professionals who understand and won't dismiss.

    I was diagnosed privately but I was more less still a child at the time and don't really remember it very well. My parents did a lot of the talking I remember. But I remember how understanding and supportive the professionals were.

    Good luck I hope it goes well for you.

  • Thanks for the heads up on extreme etc yeah that probably would have made me feel more mental than I do at times See no evilSee no evil gonna get stuff wrote down before the appt on Friday - thanks so much for the reply

  • Aw I hope this is how I feel after, it’s been a confusing 37 years of life See no evilSee no evilSee no evil thanx for the reply

  • What are they gonna ask me - do they usually give you an idea of what they think on the day?

    For me it was mostly giving me the results of the tests and explaining what it meant - I was told about 2 days after taking the tests.

    I would consider making a list of questions you want to ask them and keep it with you as it is too easy to forget stuff in the heat of the moment.

    Don't worry if they use expressions such as "extreme" as this just means you have one or more traits that are very pronounced, not that you are some crazy person that needs to be locked up.

  • I’ll second the “you will feel understood part”.

    It was the first time in my entire life I actually felt people understood - and believed! - me. 

    I can’t tell you how wonderful and validating that was for me.

  • You honestly dont need to be nervous or worry. Im sure you will feel understood. Remember this isn't like other consultations that you may have had with other medical professionals. You are paying for this service. I feel certain that they will help you feel comfortable. My brother was told on the day and following this he recieved a very detailed report. There are no right or wrong answers, just as it is. Its not a test x

  • I had a two hour interview, an IQ test that lasted around two hours and the ADOS test, which is very strange but I think aimed at assessing communication style and social imagination. They also interviewed two people who know me (I wasn’t present for that) and I filled in loads of questionnaires.

    They said there was strong evidence of autism after the initial interview but the whole process from that first session to getting my result took just over a month.