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Involvement of family member in the autism assessment

Munchkin

Hi, I am wondering if anyone can help me understand what the role of the family member is in the autism assessment for an adult. 

Particularly I am worrying about having them present for the entire assessment, I am unsure I would feel I could speak freely. 

Also what sort of questions will they ask and how much credence will this be given over what I self report?

So essentially my family situation is a bit difficult and they aren't very supportive of the autism diagnosis. I am taking my Dad who is the best available family member but if they are going to ask questions about my experience I would prefer to do this away from my Dad, like talking about bullying and upbringing, the degree of bullying I went through as a child was something I don't think he is aware of and discussing it in front of him now would just upset him to no good purpose. I have an alcoholic caregiver and I would like to be able to talk about these experiences without worry for negative consequences to this being disclosed to others as this is something everyone in my family has been schooled to never do. His answers to questions . . . I don't really know what he will say, he doesn't really understand autism beyond the boys with trainsets stereo type. I don't control what he says though and hopefully that sort of thing is not that uncommon and will be taken into account. 

Any advice on this topic would be appreciated. Just FYI I am on the waiting list currently (in the UK) I am under the right to choose thing but have not yet been given any information on what I would be able to choose from.

Thanks in advance :) 

Parents

  • This is something that concerns me as well. I am also on the waiting list through RTC and I’m due to be assessed in July. I asked my mum to help and she said she cannot remember, my father was seriously ill a few years ago and is not mentally stable enough to handle any of it and my wife pretends everything is fine. Oh and I don’t have a trusted friend that has any idea of my history. I heard that you can opt not to have a family member present but cannot be sure. I would be happy to let you know how this goes for me in July if you like? 

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  • This is something that concerns me as well. I am also on the waiting list through RTC and I’m due to be assessed in July. I asked my mum to help and she said she cannot remember, my father was seriously ill a few years ago and is not mentally stable enough to handle any of it and my wife pretends everything is fine. Oh and I don’t have a trusted friend that has any idea of my history. I heard that you can opt not to have a family member present but cannot be sure. I would be happy to let you know how this goes for me in July if you like? 

Children
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