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Waiting times for report after assessment

gerald_hosepipe

Hi

Hopefully someone can offer me some advice.  I took the assessment back in September and was told the report would be ready in a while.  It's now February and just over 5 months to the day but I'm still being told it is being finalised (the same thing I'm told every time I ask).  It was via the NHS but is 5 months plus a normal amount of time for a report to written?  

I'm getting pretty desperate as most of the mental health treatment I receive has was put on hold as they wanted me to have the assessment.  It's now been close to 18 months since I had a psychologist appointment.  I've been sectioned on a few occasions during this time but am always told they need the report before they decide on the next course of action.   

Also, I didn't feel the assessment was great in how it was conducted.  Basically, someone I've never met before who talked to me like a child for 45 minutes.  I'm mid 40's and know I was heavily masking as I was trying to stop myself from running out of the door as I already overwhelmed before even going in.  My perception was that he seemed to believe I was making it up and he heavily hinted that I was nowhere near the threshold - again if this was the case why the long wait for the report? I've had prior psychologists (they were also trained to undertake autism assessments) who I've worked for over a period months who all said that they believe I easily meet the threshold and that I need to pursue a formal diagnosis yet some guy I've never met can say yes or no based on a fraught 45 min chat and a book / some toys.  So, when it comes back negative, am I able to request a second opinion or should I just look to book a private assessment now? 

Parents

  • An update as I hate to leave unresolved! 

    I had an appointment earlier where I was given the outcome of the assessment.  To my astonishment I was told that I do meet the diagnostic threshold and officially am autistic.   Just waiting now on a formal appointment to go be given the full report and discuss what it means and what, if anything happens next (I'm guessing there will be something as I've been recently under the crisis team again).  

    Currently feeling a bit numb and certainly still processing it as I may be a while.  There is sense of anger though, that it's taken decades to reach this point but at the same time, there is a sense of a weight being lifted. 

    Thank you all for your time and advice.  

  • in reply to gerald_hosepipe

    Congratulations!

    What describe feeling is normal, so please don't worry - I've linked to an article below about this. You might also find yourself feeling more aware of your traits, which would also be normal. For me, it was a journey of learning and adapting after my diagnosis, and it was important to pace and be kind with myself - especially at the beginning.  

    The NAS has a great set of articles focused on "after diagnosis" that you might find helpful while you're waiting for your report and follow-up appointment.

    NAS - How you might feel after a diagnosis - includes perspectives from other autistics

    NAS - Other advice covering post-diagnosis - including:

    • Talking about and disclosing your autism diagnosis
    • Emotional support for family members after a diagnosis
    • Formal support following an autism diagnosis
    • What can I do if formal support is not offered or is not enough

    Therapy (or counselling) is often recommended after a diagnosis. If you prefer, depending on where you are in the UK, you may instead be able to self refer for talking therapy on the NHS. 

    Before arranging it, you might find it helpful to borrow or buy this book, which includes discussion of various types of therapy and counselling, together with advice on choosing the right therapist or counsellor - all from an autistic person's viewpoint. Several of us here have found it very helpful:

    The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy

    Finally, I'll just mention a couple of books that I and others have found helpful early on in our post-diagnosis journeys:

    Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!

    How to Be Autistic (free download currently available via this page)

  • in reply to Bunny

    Thanks for the links.  I'll have a look through. 

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