Psychiatry UK

My experience with them wasn't exactly negative in that I was diagnosed, but then I wasn't necessarily insisting on it. I was more concerned that they didn't give me a diagnosis because they thought it was what I wanted to hear. I needed it to be a real outcome.

However, I was a bit puzzled by the assessment interview and upset by a couple of things said (though I think that was more because of being autistic and taking the assessor's 'jokes' seriously - at least I think she was joking because she was laughing!) I also got quite annoyed because most of it seemed to be asking me the same questions as were on the self-assessment form, so I was repeating things I'd written there. I don't know whether she was testing to make sure I was the one who'd written the form, but there were only a couple of times I felt like I'd had to respond more spontaneously. I didn't have a problem with that, if anything it felt more genuine. I thought the whole conversation was going to be more in depth I guess. There were lots of times she cut me off when I was about to say more, and I came away worrying that I hadn't shown just how much I'm affected by my condition.

Did you say a lot on your form? I get the impression that they go off of that mainly as it tells them so much more than an hour long video call ever could. It took me about six weeks to complete as I wrote in as much detail about all my life memories and things I do now, being completely honest rather than trying to fit an autistic box. I really just talked openly to give an impression of who I am and I wanted to know whether that made me autistic or not. I needed to know where to go. I think the assessor had maybe decided already from what I'd written, so she just needed to double check that I was genuine. I didn't have anyone to back up my childhood memories in particular so it was really important to write a lot about that.

I have just sent a note to the assessor as I have been fretting since that I said I sleep okay when I don't. The question came towards the end of the session when I'd had enough of questions and I'd just slept well for two nights, so I said 'yes'. But I want my report to be correct so I've told her hoping it isn't too late. I kind of expect they won't use it because I think everything is on a timeframe and budget and I have my diagnosis. I guess it is always worth trying to argue your case though, but if you don't get an answer then going private if that's an option for you. No harm in asking, or maybe go back to the GP??

My experience with them wasn't exactly negative in that I was diagnosed, but then I wasn't necessarily insisting on it. I was more concerned that they didn't give me a diagnosis because they thought it was what I wanted to hear. I needed it to be a real outcome.

However, I was a bit puzzled by the assessment interview and upset by a couple of things said (though I think that was more because of being autistic and taking the assessor's 'jokes' seriously - at least I think she was joking because she was laughing!) I also got quite annoyed because most of it seemed to be asking me the same questions as were on the self-assessment form, so I was repeating things I'd written there. I don't know whether she was testing to make sure I was the one who'd written the form, but there were only a couple of times I felt like I'd had to respond more spontaneously. I didn't have a problem with that, if anything it felt more genuine. I thought the whole conversation was going to be more in depth I guess. There were lots of times she cut me off when I was about to say more, and I came away worrying that I hadn't shown just how much I'm affected by my condition.

Did you say a lot on your form? I get the impression that they go off of that mainly as it tells them so much more than an hour long video call ever could. It took me about six weeks to complete as I wrote in as much detail about all my life memories and things I do now, being completely honest rather than trying to fit an autistic box. I really just talked openly to give an impression of who I am and I wanted to know whether that made me autistic or not. I needed to know where to go. I think the assessor had maybe decided already from what I'd written, so she just needed to double check that I was genuine. I didn't have anyone to back up my childhood memories in particular so it was really important to write a lot about that.

I have just sent a note to the assessor as I have been fretting since that I said I sleep okay when I don't. The question came towards the end of the session when I'd had enough of questions and I'd just slept well for two nights, so I said 'yes'. But I want my report to be correct so I've told her hoping it isn't too late. I kind of expect they won't use it because I think everything is on a timeframe and budget and I have my diagnosis. I guess it is always worth trying to argue your case though, but if you don't get an answer then going private if that's an option for you. No harm in asking, or maybe go back to the GP??