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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

  • Good evening,

    If your assessment is anything like mine, it will occur over multiple sessions. A family member will only be present during the session where their input is necessary to provide an alternative perspective. Consider this: your reality represents the 'norm,' and there is a good chance that you have felt excluded or don't fit in. However, if your assessment is successful, that perception will change. The goal is to present a neurotypical viewpoint, which is the currently accepted paradigm. It's ironic, given the other details you provided.

    I imagine the process will depend on age, but why can't you consider an alternative? Many centres have specific criteria that individuals need to meet, such as the length of time they've known each other, among others. Ultimately, involving someone who genuinely cares about you is in your best interest.

    That's just my humble opinion.

  • in reply to Bored and irritable

    I'm not sure I understand what you mean by presenting the neurotypical view point. 

    I'm in my late 30's. 

    My Dad does genuinely care. He seems like the best option

Reply Children
  • in reply to Munchkin
    Munchkin said:
    I'm not sure I understand what you mean by presenting the neurotypical view point.

    You see your life through the lens of your neurodiversity meaning how you perceive it will vary based on your autistic traits (eg you may have demand avoidance and this leads you to see things that demand something of you as things that you HAD to avoid.

    An outsiders (probably neurotypical) view of the same situation may provide a very different perspective to yours therefore.

    There is that saying that there are 3 sides to every story, yours, theirs and the truth (which oftem lies somewhere between).

    There is also the fact that the events you dicuss will be from 2-3 decades ago so there will be elements of memory degradation for both parties so building up an accurate picture may take some piecing together of things.