Involvement of family member in the autism assessment

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
  • I had a questionnaire from the assessment unit, plus then a follow on phone interview for the same person, they wanted someone who knew me in my developmental years. My mother is nearly 80 and what I would class as a hostile witness, my father is deceased. I told them that I don’t have anyone as I’m older, they said it was fine and the assessment could be done without any parental input. I have a good memory of my childhood.

    My advice is that only you know exactly how you tried to cope in childhood and then beyond.

Reply
  • I had a questionnaire from the assessment unit, plus then a follow on phone interview for the same person, they wanted someone who knew me in my developmental years. My mother is nearly 80 and what I would class as a hostile witness, my father is deceased. I told them that I don’t have anyone as I’m older, they said it was fine and the assessment could be done without any parental input. I have a good memory of my childhood.

    My advice is that only you know exactly how you tried to cope in childhood and then beyond.

Children
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