HFA adult assessment- please help

[Tanya52]

Dear everyone,

 

I appreciate a piece of advice about my ongoing assessment on HF Autism.

 

I’m 52, non-native speaker. My husband is English. I’m doing BA English degree to improve my communication skills and working P/t in a local library.

 

During my assessment I had 2 appointments by myself and yesterday with my husband with a psychologist who works for the local Learning Disability Resource Centre.

 

On my first and second appointments the psychologist asked me about my family and childhood. The focus was on communication, friends and hobbies. He asked me to fill a couple of self-assessment questionnaires by Baron-Cohen. After checking it he said that my answers indicated that I ‘fit’ in the HFA parameters.

 

When he interviewed my husband, he asked me to be present as he was interested to see my reaction to the answers.

 

At the end he said that there’s not enough evidence to qualify for HFA because my husband don’t think I’m weird and I don’t look scruffy.

 

He promised me to send the first draft of his report and will invite me to finalise my assessment after it.

 

What does it all mean? I’m confused.

 

Could you please help me to navigate in this situation. Every your suggestion will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

 

Tania.

[Eccentric]

I think it means that psychologist doesn't know much about autism. Of course your husband doesn't think you're weird - he's your husband! And if he thinks all autistic people look scruffy, he shouldn't be assessing people for autism. I think you should see another doctor - one who knows what he's talking about.

[Jannih]

Ask the NAS to recommend a psychologist who specialises in Autism/ Aspergers.

 

As for not being scruffy enough to qualify for a diagnosis, what a heap of c**p. Sure enough, there are those who don't bother with personal hygiene but there also those so called " lipstick aspies" who are very much into their personal appearance. What some people need to learn is, that we are all individuals.

[Tanya52]

Hello dear Eccentric and Jannih,

 

Thanks for your support; it means a lot to me. As I said I’m a bit confused by the outcome of my husband’s interview with the psychologist. My husband can’t understand my disappointment. He sais that it seems as I want to be labelled as Aspenger’s.

 

The psychologist seems puzzled that I have an overage IQ ( +dyslexia + dyspraxia) but managed BA Science, Foundation in Accountancy and now on my final year doing BA English. He might think that I’m making it up? What ever for?

 

The psychologist sais that I can seek for another specialist to assess me. Does it mean that NHS will not help me any more? Do I have to pay for my next assessment? I’ve heard that it’s expensive.

 

many thanks

Tanya

[Jannih]

Hello dear Eccentric and Jannih,

 

My husband can’t understand my disappointment. He sais that it seems as I want to be labelled as Aspenger’s.

 

 

 

I can relate to that. I think you have more or less self diagnosed yourself, but now want the official recognition. I don't think it has anything to do with "wanting to have Aspergers."

[Tanya52]

Hi Jannih,

 

Thanks again. Well, I guess it's easier for me to get another degree than to get my HFA assessment done with NHS. So, just one more mountain to climb.

[Eccentric]

Actually, your husband could be right. Are you sure you have Asbergers? I'm not trying to put you down, but you haven't said anything about why you think you have Asbergers. If you could tell us why, we might be able to advise you. We'll certainly be more helpful than that benighted psychologist.