Autism assessments feel like well kept secrets. When I went for my autism assessment I had no idea what to expect and I was really nervous and in some ways that's a really good thing as they want to know the true you. They want to know how you act and not have a list ready to do the questions.
I'm not going to put in detail what goes on during an assessment as many vary but a lot stays the same. I was amazed after my assessment. Mr Red came with me and he's not on the spectrum and he said he found it so interesting because he noticed certain trigger words they used to try and gauge my Autistic traits whereas I didn't.
The first part of the assessment is the questionnaires. Depending on your score you will be offered a full assessment or discharged. I had to follow up to make sure they got it and I was told I scored enough to get the full assessment. The questions are odd or at least seemed odd. You truly wonder why some questions are there but it's obviously for a reason. As I studied psychology I found it fascinating and wish I knew more behind them.
I waiting around 2 years for my full assessment. It was put into 3 separate assessments but it varies for each person. Some are able to do them all in one day, others are staggered like mine.
They talk to you about what you struggle with, sensory issues, food etc. All the classic autism traits I suppose.
They talk to your parents to ask questions from your childhood, you aren't usually present with this.
Then you have an assessment of different questions and different activities. Again they seem like they have no reason half the things you do and you might feel silly doing some but just be you. Try your best not to mask, although I did struggle as I freeze when nervous but they won't bite!
I was lucky and my assessment was with an amazing team, they were kind, considerate, explained everything really well.
After the assessments I went away and saw them again in a few weeks for my results. I was told I'm Autistic, what It means, what my struggles are but also what positive points I have due to my autism.
I then received a massive report of details from the assessments, what they noticed, what I struggle with.
Not everyone is given a level but if you are worried you can always ask. I've found out that truly the levels don't matter. Your levels may vary day to day. You may have more sensory struggles than social struggles. You may be able to make eye contact, you might not mask or mask a lot. You are stil Autistic and valid.
I hope this is of help to someone. I know I didn't put a huge amount of detail but it's for the best as they want to know the real you.
Lady Red
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