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Autism assessment

Posted By Sabine

"Autism assessment"

About: Mental Health / Adult Autism Services

(as a service user),

As soon as the assessor pretty much looked at me they had decided I wasn't on the spectrum but they said it's up to me if I want to continue. So I did in some misled notion that they would hear my story but instead it was just a very upsetting experience as they told me I was a socially adept if I was a school teacher without really listening to me.

My issue is that I'm completely the opposite for many reasons. I struggle everyday with the social chit chat at work and have so in so many aspects throughout my education. I'm a master at masking and avoidance behaviour. I was in my late 30s at the time of the assessment and 3 years later I'm going privately for a 2nd opinion.

There really needs to be a confidence that if as a woman you go for an assessment that you don't leave feeling distraught because clearly this person had no clue about female autism. Saying because I'm in a stable job etc so I can't be autistic is completely wrong.

If I'm neurotypical then that's fine but surely a supportive plan needs to be put in place post-assessment because the answer I was looking for wasn't there and I'm still lost as to why I'm struggling socially and have many other aspects about myself which I thought met the criteria. Tbh the support should be there regardless if you're male or female.  

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Responses

Response from Cindy Wallis, Senior Manager for Recovery Services, East Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership 3 years ago
Cindy Wallis
Senior Manager for Recovery Services,
East Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 12/04/2021 at 10:02
Published on Care Opinion at 11:07

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us and I’m sorry it was an upsetting one. I would be interested in having a discussion with you regarding your views on post assessment support. I can be contacted on 0141 451 0749.

Kind regards

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Update posted by Sabine (a service user)

Hi, thanks for your reply. An update to my post: I completed my private assessment and have been diagnosed autistic. I did get in touch with someone else who was branching out to running private clinics specialising in women but the conflict was they were still working in the same nhs health board. I was advised I could go for a 2nd opinion by this person but I felt little to zero confidence that I would have a better experience. I was definitely in a fragile place and couldn't risk the insensitivity I had experienced the first time which should not have been the reason!

Now in my 40s I needed to know either way and I have been very fortunate that I could now pay privately. I didn't go along assuming I would get a positive diagnosis but approached them explaining that I have had social difficulties all my life, crippling anxiety and I've been trying to fix it but it's not working. After years of various types of therapy, I just wanted an explanation and I have tried for years to convince myself that my difficulties were due to my disabled parents and traumatic early childhood experiences.

My post is not an 'I told you so' but I'm highlighting how important it is to understand that people are complex and there is no way of knowing how much someone is struggling. If there was no diagnosis of autism then the issues are there for some reason and whatever the reason, support should be offered. I have had a free post diagnostic chat with my private clinician which has been invaluable. I'm relieved I have answers but I've still got an emotional process to go through to understand my diagnosis.

Clearly, there's a need for better understanding of autism in women.

In 2021, no one should feel daft for seeking help!

Response from Tom Kelly, Head of Adult Services: Learning Disability and Recovery, East Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership 2 years ago
Tom Kelly
Head of Adult Services: Learning Disability and Recovery,
East Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 07/07/2021 at 15:13
Published on Care Opinion at 17:11

picture of Tom Kelly

Hi Sabine

My name is Tom Kelly. My job title is Head of Adult Services, Learning Disability and Recovery for East Renfrewshire HSCP.

Cindy Wallis replied to your original post. I have overall responsibility for the service which I why I am responding.

I would like to thank you for updating us. The information you shared with us in your original post has been shared with the team, and your additional comments will also be shared.

Thank you for taking the time to update us on your progress.

Kind regards

Tom Kelly

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