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What should I expect from my adult autism assessment?

SW2000

Hello,
I recently had a phone appointment with my GP because I’ve been having some issues with anxiety. During the call, she asked me about things like friendships, eye contact, and how I feel in social situations. After talking with me for a while, she suggested that I might benefit from being screened or evaluated for autism.

Since then, I’ve been reading up on the symptoms, and I feel like a lot of them do apply to me (though I will wait to see what the doctor says first).

I’m a 24-year-old male, and I have my initial appointment booked for later this month. I just wanted to ask what I can expect during the assessment? I think knowing what might happen would help reduce some of the anxiety. (No details are required, just an overall summary of what i can expect)

If anyone is willing to share their experience, I’d really appreciate it.

Thank you in advance.

  • Wow you have a really great doctor! I am more than  double your age and despite regular doctors/specialists appointments no one ever thought to sugest autism. I figured iot out from those lovely people sharing content on youtube and then asked my doctor. 

    Sorry I don't have much to contribute to your question, but it's nice to know someone else is also waiting on an assessment. I was advised to make a list of reasons why you think you are autistic. That list for me is not finsihed but is already really long.... it's helping me orgainise my thoughts and life, even if they don't require it. I was told the wait is 1yr so I've a long wait to go, but the centre has been in touch for consent forms. 

  • in reply to Stuart333
    Stuart333 said:
    If it is an appointment with the GP they may want to do the screening test, 10 or 50 questions, and see you to judge if you should be referred for a formal assessment

    That's what happened at my initial appt with the GP then they referred me which took about 4 years to get to the assessment.

  • If it is an appointment with the GP they may want to do the screening test, 10 or 50 questions, and see you to judge if you should be referred for a formal assessment.

    I don't think it will be an assessment itself.

  • Hello. I'm new here and recently diagnosed with ASD. I was so worried about my assessment because I wasn't sure what I would have to say or do but actually it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be! A lot of it was them talking and they were really patient and understanding. They didn't rush me and they were more than happy that I had written a lot down as I find talking so uncomfortable.

    Mostly they asked me about my childhood, what I was like, what I did, how was school for me, did I have any friends. It was a bit like filling in a questionnaire about myself. My mum was kind of enough to come with me and she was a big help as she was able to tell them about me as a child and how I am now. 

    I know it sounds like it'll be a lot of stress but believe me it actually isn't that bad. Stay calm and stay positive. You'll be absolutely fine! Slight smile

  • in reply to SW2000

    I hope it does help you. I really try to not let autism be a barrier to me. I see it as part of who i am & it does have an effect on me but it does not rule my life. I have run my own business for over 30 years.Lots of people get nervous & anxious during interviews, thats completely expected ( i've interviewed lots of people in 30 years). You can use Autistic traits to your advantage, i use my hyper focus to really concentrate on running my business. Try to stay positive, your life is just beginning at 24 & i'm sure you will find your own individual way in the world. Good luck & i wish you well

  • in reply to Bunny

    Hello, 

    Thankyou for providing these links - i will look into them.

  • in reply to Stewart NAS95103

    Hello, 

    Thank you, this has helped a bit with my nerves. The doctor said they might be able to help me find work more suitable to my needs, which is why i agreed to it - I've had several interviews and i always seem to let my nerves get the better of me, I'm hoping a formal diagnosis might open up some avenues for me or make the process a bit easier. 

  • Hello

    I had mine about 2 years ago. There is nothing to worry about. It's just asking questions about yourself & growing up. Any issues at school, making friends etc. It's just asking you about you.

    The main disappointment i had was i built it up & really wanted to know whether i was Autistic or not. I was told i am autistic & that was it. No more information than that. I found the post diagnosis follow up was absolutely nothing. I've found dealing with it afterwards the hardest part.

  • Hi and welcome to the community.

    The NAS has a great set of resources covering the diagnostic process, which you might find helpful in understanding what to expect.

    The diagnosis hub section about "Assessment and diagnosis" includes the following articles, which address your questions:

    NAS - What can I do while waiting for an autism assessment?

    NAS - What happens during an autism assessment

    NAS - Criteria and tools used in an autism assessment

    This article (from "Before diagnosis") also explains the referral process. If you're in England, you might like to consider asking for your referral to be made via the Right to Choose pathway, which enables access to certain private providers, but still funded by the NHS. These providers typically have much shorter waiting lists than the NHS's own assessment units. More information about this is also included in the article:

    NAS - How to request an autism assessment