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I had my assessment back in December - Heard nothing since.

FSS85

Hi,

I had my assessment back in December, it lasted 12 minutes because the assessor said he had enough information and that he was confident I would receive an autism diagnosis. I then received an informal email from him in January that they had agreed an autism diagnosis is appropriate and that they are working on my report, and they will send it to me as soon as possible.

I emailed on the 7th of this month asking for an update as I had heard nothing since and I've not had a response.

Is this normal?? You would think that these supposed experts on autism would understand how stressful this is? Has anyone had a similar experience and could you tell me how it was resolved?

  • I don't think mine took as long as that but it did take a while. I emailed them as I needed proof and they sent a letter stating that I had a diagnosis which was later followed up with the full report so it may be worth asking if they can do that if it would help.

  • in reply to FSS85

    Ah, then it could be perfectly usual. Often the first or second appointment would be to gather social history, with the second or third appointment assessing you through observation as well as asking more questions, but all parts are considered for a full autism assessment. Like you, the assessor told me that I met the criteria for an autism diagnosis before the written report was sent. My written medical report arrived a few weeks after the assessment.

    When I was researching autism providers, one clinic said the written report would be completed within six months of assessment. 

  • in reply to Bored and irritable

    I don't think so, he was pretty clear that that was the end of the assessment. I'll wait to hear back from the email I sent and see what they say.

  • Yes, it is entirely normal. You have not had an assessment in the technical sense. You have passed the assessment to get an evaluation, if that is at all logical. I waited ages after my meeting. If you are having a four-part assessment, then all those required need to be available at the same time. My assessment took place over a month. Congratulations on your first step. It doesn't feel much, but it's an acknowledgement you have been heard. 

    By all means, do plenty of research in the meantime, but do not construct a concrete narrative for life post-diagnosis as it can be soul-destroying when the two do not align. I hope that helps. 

  • in reply to ArchaeC

    I realise this may sounds weird, but he explained that the first assessment was more of an introduction and then the filling out forms - the second assessment meeting was supposed to be the actual assessment? I've no idea if this is normal or not as I don't know anything about this which is why I'm asking on here.

  • in reply to ArchaeC

    Oh there was more than one appointment and step to the assessment - I had the first one and then I had to fill in forms and my mum filled in a couple of forms too, then the second one where they supposedly go over it with you was the one that was really short as he said he didn't need much more information other than my parents ages.

  • If you are in the UK, it sounds strange.


    My assessment was conducted according to NICE guidelines, over several appointments. The final medical report diagnosing autism was 16 pages long, because it described my strengths and challenges in daily life. I researched plenty of autism assessment providers, and the process involved in these and in an NHS assessment. Some providers provided more follow up support than others, but the processes involved seemed the same.