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What to expect at assessment?

Hapless

Hi everyone,

I have an autism assessment with Skylight Psychiatry on Wednesday and a second virtual appointment the week after. I was hoping if anyone could let me know what to expect.

I've already filled in a bunch of questionnaires.

Thanks.

  • It is mostly like a chat. They will try to put you at ease, they want you to talk.

    They may ask about some of your answers, not to challenge or because you are wrong, just to understand.

    They are no right answers, so don't try to guess what they want to hear, just say what is true. It might take some courage, it might be a bit tiring, but they won't judge you. They are trained to be sympathetic and supportive.

    There's nothing to fear. When you did the questions you probably had examples in mind. If you think you may go blank, you could make some notes. I did but didn't need them.

  • Hapless said:
    I was hoping if anyone could let me know what to expect.

    NAS have a good article on this here:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/assessment-and-diagnosis

    There seems to be some variability depending on the organisation performing the test but they should all work to the same guidelines and use the same standards to score you against.

    You may find it helpful to take some notes of which autistic traits you have with you and how they present for you - you can refer to these in the questioning as some people freeze up ot try to mask and pretend they are coping OK when they are not.

    Be open, honest and vulnerable if needed - these will be professionals who should understand and be able to support you through the process.

    Personally I found it quite entertaining and enlightening but that is how I deal with such things. A great deal of how difficult it is will come from your state of mind, so I would recommend treating it more like a puzzle using the facts of your experiences and less of tryting to relive the experiences. 

    Those are just my thoughts on it though - I hope it is as enjoyable for you as it was for me.

  • Hi, I don't exactly know what yours will be like as mine was through the NHS, plus it might be slightly different for each person anyway. My partner sat next to me for moral support and to answer any additional questions. First of all we were introduced to the assessor, then she just went through various things from my past and how I deal with situations now. The questions themselves aren't hard, it's all about you, but opening up can be.